Handling Holiday Stress in the Time of COVID

Story by Denise Prendergast, Fleet and Family Support Center

Ahh the holidays: good food, great friends and lots of celebration. The holidays hold special memories for each of us. The holidays can also be a very stressful and difficult time for some people. This year will present its own set of challenges for the holiday season. Many people will not get the opportunity to visit their families or take the holiday trips they had planned; it is important to make a plan to stay healthy and connected. It is even more important during the current restrictions that we take a proactive role in connecting and managing our stress.

In order to do this you may need to be creative. Using Zoom or other social media platforms, you can enjoy a virtual holiday celebration with your family at home. Yes, the time change is a hassle but well worth it to share a laugh or a memory. Plan a pot luck or holiday party at your command and share stories about your family and holiday traditions. Decorate your house and office and watch holiday movies with families on a watch party.

There is a tendency for us to focus on the things we are missing and feel a sense of loss. But we can also take some time to remember the things we are free of. Holidays do bring an increased amount of stress and pressure in the best of times. This year you won’t have to worry about holiday traffic jams, long lines at the stores and crowded parking lots. Snow storms won’t leave you stranded at the airport. There won’t be any political or other arguments and old family feuds rearing their heads. It is OK to celebrate the things that you won’t miss and take advantage of having a holiday that is free from some of the regular trappings.

You can try a new holiday recipe and no one can complain if it doesn’t turn out OK. You can listen to whatever holiday music you like, or not. Think of the money you can save. Focusing on the positive does wonders for our mood and our stress level.

Even with social distancing measures there are still activities you can enjoy throughout the season on base. MWR has opportunities for all different interests, even though you’ll be participating in smaller groups. If you have an interest that you don’t see listed, please feel free to suggest it to MWR, FFSC or to Chaplain Spoke; we are always looking for good ideas.

Try to develop a practice of gratitude and mindfulness. Look for ways to help and be involved in the community. That is a great way to beat the winter blues and make a better holiday for someone in need.

Donate to the food drive or the toy drive, adopt a pet or sponsor a family in need. Do something for someone at work who is feeling particularly alone. Reach out to a new person and make them feel welcome; you could end up with a friend for life.

It is important to allow yourself to feel what you are feeling, and acknowledge the difficulty of this year. It is normal to feel sad or to feel lonely at times. However, if you find yourself unable to find motivation or enjoyment in things that normally bring you joy, please reach out to us at FFSC or to the Chaplain. We are here to help everyone at Team Souda make the most of what we have this year.

You can reach the team at FFSC by calling 266-1690 and you can reach Chaplain Spoke at 266-1204.