Tips for Navigating the Holidays With COPD
When you live with a health condition like COPD, the holiday season can be somewhat stressful. The mix of traveling, socializing, and cold weather can potentially create an uptick in your symptoms, and it’s also the time of year when respiratory illnesses tend to spike. However, with the right plan and the right mindset, you can prepare yourself to make the most of the holiday season.
Here are a few tips, for navigating the holidays with COPD:
1. Stock up your oxygen supplies
Whether you are traveling for the holidays or staying close to home, make sure you have all the oxygen supplies you need. A portable oxygen concentrator offers incredible freedom and flexibility, as it’s lightweight and doesn’t require tanks. Be sure to stock up on extra batteries, filters, tubing/cannulas, and other accessories to make sure your portable oxygen concentrator is always at the ready.
2. Prioritize your self-care
This time of year tends to be hectic for a lot of people, and it’s easy to forget about the self-care practices that help you feel your best. Make sure you carve out enough time for sleep, rest, movement, and eating well during the season’s activities.
3. Stay warm
Being out in the cold can cause coughing or shortness of breath for many with COPD. Take a warm scarf, hat, and gloves wherever you go, and keep your mouth covered with a mask or a scarf. Dress in layers, sip on warm beverages, and take frequent breaks to get up and move or stretch.
4. Learn to say no
Sometimes, we feel overscheduled and overburdened this time of year, and this stress can make COPD symptoms worse. Give yourself permission to say no to unnecessary events and extra obligations, and spend time doing what matters most to you. This may mean spending quality time with family, enjoying peaceful solitude, or volunteering for a worthy cause.
Ready to make this holiday season the best one yet? Reach out to us at Portable Oxygen Solutions!
Please Call 1-800-958-0192 to speak to one of our friendly oxygen specialists.