As the COVID-19 pandemic marches on, we face the reality that this year, the holidays will probably
be very different.
Even before this crazy pandemic, December can often be a stressful time for most people.
High workloads, family gatherings, the hustling & bustling of shopping, wrapping, baking & cleaning.
And, shorter days and longer nights, with less exposure to sunlight, can bring heavy depression levels for many Canadians & Americans.
However, this year things will definitely be different for most of us, as we hunker down at home and minimize our exposure to others.
Despite all the madness, here’s how to avoid stress this holiday season & celebrate Christmas & New Year’s in style.
1) Acknowledge How you are Feeling
Instead of stuffing your feelings deep down inside, instead, recognize how you are feeling.
We can’t change what we aren’t honest about with ourselves.
Feeling down, sad or even angry can be normal this time of year as we struggle with the busyness and now a global pandemic.
2) Reach out to get Support
Seek out community or religious groups, committees or online support groups.
Let someone know that you need help.
Consider volunteering your time or helping someone in need to lift your spirits.
Adopt a family for Christmas, buy restaurant gift cards and give them out to the homeless or bake cookies for a neighbour in need.
By taking the focus off of yourself, your spirits will be lifted.
3) Take care of your Physical Health
Make time over the holidays just about every day to move and stretch your body.
Go for a walk or run.
Meditate.
Put on a heart pumping workout video.
Or turn up the tunes & dance with your kids!
The more often you get physical, the better you’ll feel.
Don’t make excuses – start small and work up from there.
4) Stick to a Budget
You can’t buy happiness.
Rather than dreading the pile up of Visa bills in January, decide in advance how much you can spend on food and gifts this year.
Then, stick to your budget.
If things are tight, consider “thrifty gifts” for those you love, such as homemade cookies, coupons they can redeem for a service with you (such as doing the dishes or a foot rub) or skip a gift altogether and just spend time with those you love.
Consider a “Secret Santa” gift exchange if you have a large family.
5) Learn to Say No
This year it might be easier than ever before to say no to outings & gatherings.
If you do find you’re being invited to several social gatherings or even just being asked to do extra time at work, know your limits and be prepared to speak up when you need to.
Burnout isn’t fun for anyone and can take months to recover from.
Say no when necessary.
6) Get Enough Sleep
We often need more rest on these long, dark nights.
Sleep is definitely seasonal.
Be sure to turn off all electronics one hour before bed and use that hour to enjoy a hot bath, talk to your partner about how your day was or read to your kids.
Go to bed at roughly the same time every night and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep in a dark room.
Try lavender spritzed on your pillow or dropped into your warm bath if you need a little extra help.
Don’t let the holidays be something you dread.
Take care of yourself and those you love.
This holiday season, keep things simple and enjoy a more restful & quiet Christmas than you’ve ever had before.