For many, the holiday season will look very different this year. Often, this time is busy with parties and visiting family & friends. Due to COVID-19, things are very different for so many this year.
For some, this time may be a time of stress, anxiety and even sadness.
Many people worry about keeping up with family traditions and finding the perfect presents. Holiday expenses may even threaten to bust an already strained budget, creating feelings of guilt and shame over disappointing loved ones.
The demands of the season including shopping, running errands, and battling potential crowds, all while dealing with COVID-19 anxiety, are all potential stressors. This is also a time where many are missing their loved ones; those family members that we have lost. All of these feelings can cause the holiday blues. These blues can be especially overwhelming throughout the holiday season.
Tips For Making the Holidays More Enjoyable
If you are feeling anxiety from the extra demands of the holiday, try some of these tips to reduce the stress:
•Acknowledge your feelings If you have lost a loved one or can’t be with those you hold dear, it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s Ok to take time to cry or express your feelings.
•Plan ahead Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, checking in on friends and other activities.
•Stick to a budget Before you go gift and grocery shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Don’t try and buy happiness with an abundance of gifts.
•Take a breather Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions may refresh you enough to handle everything that you need to do.
•Don’t abandon healthy habits Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity. If you are on medication, make sure to take each and every dose as prescribed. If you’re seeing a counselor, keep your appointments, or request an extra appointment if needed. Request a visit by phone call or virtually if you can’t meet in person.
•Be realistic The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
•Reach Out If you need emotional or physical support, ask your friends or family for help. If you are feeling stressed & overwhelmed you can also reach out to your EAP Representative to learn about resources that are available to you.
•Practice Gratitude Gratitude is a major focus this time of year, and while it may seem harder to find things to appreciate, there is still plenty to be thankful for. Make a conscious effort to regularly identify some things that you’re grateful for. It can be something as broad as your health, or something as specific as your favorite song playing on the radio the last time you got in the car. Change is hard, but it isn’t always bad. There are still ways to celebrate the season with your loved ones, even if you must give up some of your favorite traditions.
Remember Your Local EAP representatives are always there to help.
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