Tips to Stay Positive this Holiday Season
The holiday season is here and for some, it’s a lonely time. Social distancing can be even more difficult during the holiday season, especially for those who have large families or who are used to large gatherings and events.
Many of us have mixed emotions about staying home, staying in, and staying away from loved ones. It’s been a long ten months. There is no doubt that our celebrations of joy and holiday excitement will look different this year.
Here are some tips on how to stay positive and enjoy the holiday season.
Take Care of Yourself – It is soooo easy to get overwhelmed during the holidays…the cooking, cleaning, shopping, family drama, loss, worry, and pandemic alerts can take a toll on our emotional health. Many of these things we can’t control but we can control how we handle it all. So, on that note, don’t forget to take care of you! Make sure you are taking the time to de-stress. Stick with your normal routine, get plenty of sleep, stay in tune with your emotions, and eat right. Assess your self-care habits and write down reminders when it’s time to stretch, nap, exercise, eat, or even sleep.
Focus on Positive Thoughts – Yes, this can be hard. Use each day to enjoy what you have and reflect on what you are grateful for. As soon as you start to think negatively, stop yourself, and focus on something positive.
Stay Connected – Social distancing makes it hard to gather in-person to celebrate. Don’t let this stop you! Think outside the box and be creative. If you feel comfortable visiting one or two family members, then do it. If you don’t, be creative and enjoy an outside meeting for a little one-on-one time and conversation. It is absolutely inhuman to stay away from those you love. Don’t allow fear to take over. Staying away for too long will cause sadness and depression. It’s possible to social distance and see and speak with loved ones for much-needed human connection in the middle of a pandemic.
You can also plan a virtual get-together or organize a drive-thru gift exchange. We can still “see” our loved ones safely even though it may be different from what we are used to.
Start a Few New Traditions – Holiday traditions are things we look forward to each year. Many family traditions that we love just aren’t possible during this time. Think of a new tradition or two that allows you to feel connected and safe at the same time.
Share Your Feelings – Our mental health is very important. This has been a rough year and being in tune with your feelings is crucial. It is okay to not feel okay. Just be sure you reach out to a friend and ask for help if you need to talk.
Always remember, it’s okay to think of yourself first. If you are healthy and happy, the holidays will certainly be more enjoyable. And, your light will shine on those around you making their days brighter too!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
