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How Thanksgiving Changes with Chronic Illness


Thanksgiving should be a time to rest and be grateful, but the mix of family, food prep, and travel can be especially exhausting when combined with a chronic condition. Health writer and chronic illness patient Lana Barhum shares why and how to change your expectations so you can treasure the holiday without all the stress.

Don’t feel guilty or compare your plans for this thanksgiving with what you were able to do for holidays past. Remind yourself what the holiday is all about- Family, friends, and being thankful.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love setting aside a day for celebrating and being thankful with my loved ones. I also enjoy the preparing, cooking, and hosting, but the longer I live with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia the harder it gets for me to do it all. And I’ve learned that I can’t savor the true meaning of the holiday if I am too drained.

If you are living with chronic illness, you can still enjoy (and even host) a beautiful, meaningful Thanksgiving.

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