This is a busy time of year for doctor’s appointments, tests, and other aspects of my healthcare management. But I can’t let the “other” aspects slide or lessen because other things fill my time. So, it’s nearly double-duty, with the appointments and exercise time, tests and rest.

It can be very hard, now, to “stay the course” with my regular schedule when I have to add all of these other things in! And begin to enjoy this wonderful time of year.

I’m sure you’ve experienced this, too. And it doesn’t get any easier the more health conditions you have and the more you have to manage.  here are a few of the things I try to do to keep everything current:

o  Schedule exercise, therapy, and other essentials in just as you would doctors’ appointments and tests. That way, you’re making room for them in the same place as the “extra” things and are less likely to forget.

o Understand what your regular routine does for you. Exercise, for example, can help with mobility (and your ability to get to and from a doc appointment with less pain), and it can help with energy. Maintaining your regular diet (and eating at retular times) is important, too, so that you have the nutrition you need and the energy, too.

o  Try not to overdo one day only to be flat-out the next. We’ve all done it, thought that we could streamline our lives by scheduling more than one doc appointment in on the same day. After all, their offices are near one another, right? But too much can be, well, too much! Try to keep a steady pace, even now.

o  Ask for help. It’s hard for all of us, but sometimes we need a little bit of help. Reach out to friends and others who have offered in the past. Laundry, a casserole, walking the dog, or helping navigate the maze of insurance issues are a few things that others might be able to help you with – and in so doing, lessen your stress.

Above all, keep up with prayer and your other stress-busting tools. This is a joy-filled time of the year, and as much as possible, you want to be able to enjoy it!

Peace,

Maureen