Quick Tips to Help You Stay Prepared for the Holidays
By The Lavender Registered Nurse Team
3 min read
Holiday seasons tend to be filled with excitement for those that celebrate. But for many people, added stress can also come along with it, especially when travel is involved. Routines shift, schedules fill up quickly, and travel plans can make it harder to maintain the things that help us feel our best. As registered nurses, we've seen how even small disruptions can have a big impact on someone’s well-being, especially when medication is involved. That's why we’re sharing a few important reminders to help you feel prepared and supported for the weeks ahead.
Self-Care During the Holidays
If you're taking medication, it's best to avoid alcohol or new substances during this time. Even small amounts can interact with medications in unpredictable ways. Keeping things simple and consistent helps your body and mind stay balanced.
Try to maintain the basics during the holidays as you would in your regular daily routine: prioritize sleep, hydration, and eat regular meals, even while traveling.
Don't forget to take your medications consistently, even if your routines and schedules change. Setting an alarm or keeping them where you'll see them daily can help maintain your mental health.
If you're aware that the upcoming season will bring more stress than usual, reach out to your psychiatric nurse practitioner ahead of time. You can talk through any concerns, refill any medication, or make self-care plans before things get too busy. Sometimes, just planning things ahead of time can bring a lot of peace of mind.
Checking Hours of Operation Before Offices or Pharmacies Close
Now's a great time to check your medication supply and book your next appointment in advance of the holidays. The days leading up to the holidays tend to fill up quickly, and Lavender will be closed from December 24 to January 1. Booking your appointment or refill request early helps make sure you're covered and can head into the holidays with one less thing to worry about.
If you're running low on your medication, let your psych NP know at your next appointment or contact your Care team through Connect chat if you don't have one scheduled. We'll help ensure you have enough medication to last through any closures or travel delays.
If our office is closed and you need an urgent refill or are experiencing medication withdrawal, urgent care can be a helpful option until you're able to reconnect with us.
Traveling Inside the US
Realizing you've forgotten your medication can be stressful, but it's something we can sometimes help with. If you're traveling and notice you've left something behind, reach out to us through Connect chat.
For non-controlled medications, we might be able to send a small supply to a nearby pharmacy if it is located in one of the states that Lavender serves.
Due to state regulations, there's less flexibility for controlled medications, but we'll do our best to guide you through any next steps.
International Travels
If you're traveling internationally, check the U.S. consulate website for your destination country to learn about any restrictions on bringing medications across borders.
If you need documentation for your prescriptions, please reach out to your Care team at least a week before your trip so we can provide the necessary paperwork in time.
Always keep your medications in their original packaging with the label and prescriber's name readily visible. This helps prevent confusion at customs and ensures you have the right information available in case of any issues.
We are not able to prescribe medications outside of the US at this time.
Things can get hectic this time of year, which is why planning ahead can go such a long way. Taking time to organize your medications, preparing in advance, and caring for yourself can help make everything feel a little less stressful. With a bit of forethought and care, you can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.
All content and information on this website are for informational purposes only. None of the material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information does not create any client-provider relationship. Please consult with your mental health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.