Surviving the Holidays as a Survivor of Brain Injury: Challenging, But Not Impossible
The holidays can be beautiful…but they can also be loud, busy, and exhausting for those with neurofatigue.
If the next few months feels complicated after brain injury, it’s not you and that’s totally normal. Heck, even non-survivors can feel overwhelmed by the slew of parties and to-do lists that finish off the year. Survivor or not, you are human, and you are not alone.
“If the next few months feels complicated after brain injury, it’s not you and that’s totally normal. Heck, even non-survivors can feel overwhelmed…!”
Surviving the Holidays as a Survivor of Brain Injury: Challenging, But Not Impossible
The holidays can be beautiful…but they can also be loud, busy, and exhausting for those with neurofatigue.
If the next few months feels complicated after brain injury, it’s not you and that’s totally normal. Heck, even non-survivors can feel overwhelmed by the slew of parties and to-do lists that finish off the year. Survivor or not, you are human, and you are not alone.
“If the next few months feels complicated after brain injury, it’s not you and that’s totally normal. Heck, even non-survivors can feel overwhelmed…!”
For Survivors
- Set your own pace – and don’t apologize or guilt trip yourself for doing so. Fatigue and overstimulation are real. Decide in advance how long you’ll stay at gatherings. Put reminders on your phone for planned breaks and a “graceful exit.”
- Make a “sensory plan.” Pack earplugs or noise‑canceling headphones, tinted lenses, and a small card you can show that says, “I need a quiet minute.” Identify a quiet space before activities begin. The people who love you will support you in this.
- Keep routines that help you feel steady. Meals, medications, sleep, and movement are anchors—protect them. Communicate your needs up front. A few clear sentences go a long way: “I do better with small groups,” “Please give me one topic at a time,” or “Text me details so I can review them later.”
- Permission to opt out. Traditions can be adjusted or skipped this year. Schedule rest like an appointment, and if that means saying no to an event, decline. Your long-term health is more important than the short-term discomfort of possibly disappointing someone. You can even offer to schedule an easier, one-on-one meeting with the host. And caregivers: This goes for you, too!
For Caregivers
- Right‑size expectations. You do not need to recreate “before.” Choose one or two meaningful traditions; release the rest.
- Share the load. Let others bring a dish, run an errand, or host. Assign specific, bite‑sized tasks when people ask how to help.
- Build in respite. Even 30 minutes of quiet is restorative. Put your own breaks on the calendar and protect them.
- Watch the basics. Hydration, regular meals, and sleep hygiene reduce stress for both you and the person you support.
- Your well‑being matters, too. Caring for yourself is not selfish; it’s how you make care sustainable. Saying no to smaller things, asking for help, or fiercely guarding your 10 minutes to yourself in the morning do not make you a negligent person or bad caregiver. It means you know you can’t pour from an empty cup, and want to ensure your cup is full for your loved one.
P.A.U.S.E. — A Simple Tool for the Season:
P rioritize what matters most this week.
A sk for help early and specifically.
U nplug from extra noise—social media, obligations, or events that drain you.
S implify plans, menus, and timelines.
E xhale—breathe, step outside, and reset when things speed up.
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona is the state’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers. Your generous support is crucial to continue providing them with programs and services.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.