Holiday Stress Got You Down?
We’re in the holiday home stretch and many might be feeling the usual seasonal stress coupled with pandemic anxiety. Maybe you can’t afford to spend what you are used to spending on gifts and meals? Concerned about a loved one spending the holidays alone? Maybe you miss your family and the holidays are exacerbating it?
Your Feelings Are Normal
Whatever you’re feeling know that it’s perfectly normal and you’re not alone. This has been a challenging year for all of us, and even though there’s light at the end of the tunnel we need to hold on for just a little longer.
Here’s a few tips you can use to get through the season:
- Recognize — If you’ve lost someone close recently or you can’t be with loved ones it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. Whether it happens in the grocery store aisle or in the privacy of your home, it’s okay to express your feelings and have a cry.
- Connect — If you’re stressed or anxious during the holidays, it 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.
- Budget – Set a budget before you do your gift and food shopping based on what you can afford to spend. Don’t try to buy happiness by overspending. Give homemade gifts or donate what you can afford to a charity in someone’s name. Give them a future gift of shoveling a walkway or driveway. Try a family Secret Snowman gift exchange.
- Volunteer — If your spirits are low, try volunteering your time or doing something to help others. Drop off a meal or a dessert to someone living alone, or donate extra canned food, time or money to help your local food bank.
- Be realistic — Traditions often change as families grow and age. Celebrate the ones you can safely or create new ones. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year celebrate the small stuff.
You Got This!
Finally, whatever you do, please be safe. We’re all in this together!
