Frenzy

It’s the day before Thanksgiving (in the United States) and I just got back from the grocery store.  I was surprised that the lines were relatively short.  I guess the big push will be after 2pm when people begin leaving work.  It’s the official start of the holiday season and if you thought the political ads were bad wait till you see what retailers have planned for you as we approach Black Friday.

There is a frenzy in the air that’s palpable.  If you let it; the frenzy will consume you.  When faced with a health challenge the desire or maybe the need is to act like everything is “normal”.  The truth is that you’re a bit more fragile than you were before the illness.  If your immune system is compromised in any way those big sales where you get up at 4am may not be in your best interest.

We all have a tendency to over extend ourselves during the season.  Obviously the economy is on everyone’s mind, but so should your physical status.  Know your limits.  Don’t do more than you’re capable on any given day.  Plan your day so that you keep focused and can achieve your goals without draining all your physical and emotional resources.  Make it even easier by shopping online.  Black Monday is when the retailers offer great deals online and you can avoid the rush and the germs, what a bonus.

This is not the time to prove anything to anyone.  Keep your eye on the prize…your health.  Take lots of deep breaths and release the anxiety of the start of mass chaos.  Thanksgiving is a time of reflection (and of course, turkey), so use the time wisely.