Research supports the idea that having a positive outlook can extend one’s life while stress on the other hand, is linked to six leading causes of death, according to a report issued by the American Psychological Association(APA): heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
Individuals afflicted with chronic illness, and their caregivers are particularly vulnerable to stress especially during the demanding holiday season. The ailing economy and its impact has also become a contributing factor. According to an APA survey, 73% of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level.
Chris Tatevosian, author of Life Interrupted-It’s Not All About Me,a self-help memoir about living and coping with multiple sclerosis believes it’s vital to organize, orchestrate an delegate during the holidays. “In light of the forthcoming holiday season, the medical world affirms that living with MS or any chronic illness or disability can impact energy levels, and the ability to function is limited. More importantly the amount of energy and quality of functionality changes drastically from moment to moment, especially when we are stressed. Because it is impossible to know how we will be able to function on any given day, planning for holiday events is almost an impossibility. The holidays, sadly but true are extremely stressful for everyone, whether you are healthy, ailing or functioning as the caregiver. Conserving your already compromised supply of energy becomes vital, because exceeding one’s allotted energy does not mean our bodies just slow down. On the contrary, it completely shuts down, and when that happens ,the last place one wants to be is in the presence of a crowd of holiday revelers,” he said.
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