HANDLING HOLIDAY The holiday season often brings an unwelcome guest — stress. And it’s no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining, to name just a few. And this year brings even more challenges. COVID 19 is a new normal and it is a factor in everything we do these days. If you are feeling additional stress about the holidays, you are not alone. Read on to see how it can be easier to get through the holidays this year. When stress is at its peak, it is hard to stop and regroup. If you are feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, since we won’t be able to celebrate as usual, consider dropping off a meal and/or dessert at a friend’s home for their holiday. We all know that the holidays this year will be different than previous years. No longer can we invite twenty people to our house for the day and spend the day inside close together. If your family or friends can’t come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails, or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate. Video calls can be the the answer to some of your family traditions. Whether it be reading a story to the grandkids, a group activity such as singing, it all can be adapted to video. 10 - 2020 Holiday Gift & Dining Guide
Even if it will be a small group this year, there is still the need to be organized and have a routine. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Most local businesses have their own websites in which to shop if you don’t want to go out. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And don’t forget, everyone else is in the same boat so shopping could get crazy. Get your holiday chores and shopping done early. Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress. Adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Take a walk, read a book, listen to soothing music. Don’t let this become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
