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A Chronically Ill Girl's Guide to Surviving the Holidays

Purple Star emoji 18 items
This list is for anyone else whose body is constantly trying to implode. For those of us who use “spoons” as units of energy measurement, the holidays bring lots of other factors we manage: weather changes, added stress, more events to go to. So to k...
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My Body: A Bitchy Volcano & Icicle

Since my body can't regulate its temperature worth a damn, I keep options on hand to either cool or warm myself as needed.

 
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It’s rechargeable via USB and has a built-in 4000 mAh battery, so I can charge it and then go hours without needing to plug it in again. The three-speed control gives flexibility — I’ll switch to the lowest setting for subtle airflow while working, a...
CIVPOWER Portable Neck Fan, Rechargeable, 3 Speed, USB, White
 
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I’ve been using my mini portable fan and it’s become a go-to for staying comfortable on the move. Its compact size makes it super easy to pop into a bag or keep on my desk, and I appreciate the 3-in-1 functionality — fan + flashlight + power bank — a...
JISULIFE 3IN1 USB Mini Fan w/ Power Bank
 
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I recently picked up a folding handheld fan and it’s turned out to be a delightful little comfort-tool. The compact “clack” or fold-out style design means I can tuck it into a bag or even keep it in a drawer, and when I open it the breeze is just the...
Maitys 2 Pcs 13" Folding Clap Fans for Dance
 
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This hoodie delivers serious comfort and style without breaking the bank. Whether I’m staying in or heading out, it’s become a reliable staple — warm enough for cool days, easy enough to wear all day, and the price makes it a no-brainer.
Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Hoodie
 
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I love this option because these warmers strike a great balance between cost-effectiveness and performance—easy to carry, comfortable to use, and ready whenever you need some quick, reliable warmth without breaking the bank.
HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack, 10 Ct
 
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I love getting these in large packs. Comfort-wise: they’re slim enough to slip into a glove, coat pocket or jacket liner, so you’re not bulked up or weighed down. The heat is gentle enough to make cold fingers disappear without making your whole hand...
HotHands Hand Warmers - 40 Pair, 10 Hrs

Boring but Useful: Sleep

Sleep is always tricky for me, but when I have flare-ups during the holidays I like to use these extra tools in my toollbox to combat the extra symptoms.
 
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I keep Advil PM on hand because it reliably helps me when aches or discomfort threaten to keep me up. I’ll take it at night and pretty soon I notice two things: the nuisance pain that’s been nagging at me starts to fade, and within a short time I fee...
Advil PM Pain Reliever & Sleep Aid, 120 Caplets
 
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Because Aleve works for several hours (often marketed as up to 12 hours of relief) I’m not having to take something every few hours, which means fewer interruptions and less worrying about the next dose. That peace of mind matters.
Aleve Gelcaps Arthritis Pain Relief, 160 Ct
 
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I’ve been using the Kitsch Pillow Eye Mask and it truly helps me fall asleep faster—even when the room isn’t totally dark—thanks to its plush satin padding and snug fit. Plus, it’s so comfortable I often forget it’s on by the time I’m out cold.
Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask - Charcoal Black
 
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I love this Disney Princess satin sleep mask, it's great for Disney fans of any age who need a bit of help falling asleep.
Kitsch & Disney Satin Sleep Mask - Princess
 
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The double-layer satin wraps my curls in a friction-free barrier overnight, which helps reduce breakage and keeps moisture locked in. The roomy fit and adjustable ties mean it stays on securely without flattening or squashing my curl pattern; I wake ...
Kitsch XL Satin Bonnet - Adjustable Night Cap
 
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The extra‑large size and adjustable ties mean it accommodates my length without flattening the curl pattern or slipping off as I sleep. Plus, it’s so comfortable that I almost forget it’s on—my hair routine now includes less damage, fewer tangles, an...
Kitsch XL Satin Bonnet - Adjustable Night Cap
 
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I’ve found these satin scrunchies. They hold large buns and ponytails securely without digging in or causing tension. The smooth satin fabric glides over my curls, reducing friction and helping to prevent breakage, frizz and that annoying ponytail cr...
Kitsch Satin Scrunchies for Women, 5 pcs
 
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I’ve been using the Kitsch Ultra‑Petite Satin Scrunchies for the nights when I throw on my bonnet, and they’re a perfect complement. The soft satin fabric gives a gentle hold — it stays loose enough under my bonnet to avoid flattening my curls, yet s...
Kitsch Ultra-Petite Satin Scrunchies - 6 pcs

Mobile Pharmacy: A Bit Of Everything

Does my medicine bag look a little sus? Yeah probably lol, but I like having peace of mind that no matter where I am, I have all my necessities on hand with zero stress.

 
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I love any Vera Bradley pouch because they fit a great amount of meds and are machine washable, I have at least three.
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Medium Pouch
 
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If you have meds that need to be rapidly located and taken/applied a clear bag is a really safe option.
Bag Option 2: Buminee Clear Pouch
 
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Using the Sukuos Portable Daily Pill Organizer has been incredibly convenient for me. With its seven large compartments, I can separate out all my vitamins and medications for the week and access them at a glance — no fumbling or mixing pills. The wi...
Cute Pill Dispenser with 7 Large Compartments
 
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I love that it includes 161 pre‑printed medicine labels, which helps me clearly mark each compartment (vitamins, prescriptions, etc.), reducing confusion and improving how I keep track.
Pill Organizer 7 Day Travel Case Pink