This holiday season, more than any other, may not live up to expectations of what the holidays “should” be. We are, after all, in the middle of a pandemic, and health officials are strongly urging we adjust our holiday celebrations to protect the health of ourselves and those we love.
Many people have felt stressed and isolated during these past months, and those feelings may become more intense during the holidays. This holiday season, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself emotionally.
Here are some small steps you can take to alleviate some of the stress and isolation you may be feeling this holiday season.
Manage Your Feelings
Take one step at a time to help manage your feelings. Your emotions may feel like you are on a roller coaster. Try to stop, take stock of your feelings, and do something for yourself. You can:
Reach Out to Others, Virtually
If possible, reach out virtually to your family or to the community. Social support is key during the holidays, especially if you are feeling lonely. If you don’t have traditional family and friendship support, you can:
Keep Expectations Realistic
Keep expectations realistic for yourself, no matter what steps you take. If you can do only one of these steps, start small and work your way up. If you’re feeling more ambitious, take on what you know you can handle, and keep things real. Try not to overcommit, and if you do, then don’t beat yourself up if things don’t turn out perfect.
Taking small steps to take care of yourself can make a big difference. If this holiday season isn’t what you expected and you’re feeling blue, use these suggestions to take extra good care of yourself.