How To Make The Most Of The Holidays
This year, as we all know, has not been easy. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a contentious election, many people have felt stressed, anxious, or depressed (or some combination thereof) in 2020, perhaps even more than usual.
And now the holiday season is upon us.
Depending on your situation, the holidays can either be a wonderful time of year or a not-so-wonderful time of year. Perhaps you have a great relationship with your family and love getting together for the holidays. Or, perhaps your relationship with your family is a little more complicated, and getting together for the holidays is a source of anxiety. That’s in a normal year, and this year isn’t normal.
Due to COVID-19, you might not be able to see your family in person this year, which could be extremely upsetting—or gratifying—depending on various factors. Either way, things could get messy. You might have family members who are upset with your decision to stay home, and you might be upset with family members who are still getting together. Or you might be the one upset that certain individuals are staying home.
Still, it’s important—now more than ever—to keep things in perspective.
We must reflect and be mindful of how fortunate we are, even when it comes to things we may take for granted. Especially when it comes to things we may take for granted. If you have your health, your home, and a job, that is cause for celebration this holiday season. The pandemic has shown us the true fragility of these things. Since we often expect these things to be part of our lives, it can be easy to forget how valuable they are and how much they provide for us, both for our physical and mental health.
This, of course, doesn’t mean that you have to be in a good mood at all times. It’s okay to feel frustrated, sad or anxious about something. It’s okay to vent about something that hasn’t gone—or isn’t going—as you had hoped. Given the uncertainty of this year, the added stress may leave you feeling more tired than usual. Or you might have less interest in things that typically bring you joy. It’s important to recognize and validate those feelings. But there are things you can do to combat them.
For starters, you want to stay on top of your self-care. Eat a balanced diet, limit your alcohol intake, get plenty of sleep, and move your body. While you may not be able to go to the gym due to COVID-19, it’s still important to exercise. That doesn’t mean you have to run outside in sub-freezing temperatures. There are plenty of at-home workouts you can do, and even walking up and down your steps a few times will get your heart rate up and help you break a sweat. Giving your body the activity, food, and rest it needs will go a long way toward improving and maintaining your mental health.
There are also plenty of things you can do to get in the holiday spirit, from decorating your home to baking your favorite holiday treats to watching annual specials on TV. Or, you might simply want to light a candle and listen to a holiday play list on Spotify. Feeling festive is a key part of enjoying the holidays. Give some thought to what traditions make it feel like the holidays for you.
Many people are spending time with their family virtually on holidays, but it doesn’t have to be limited to the actual day. If you’re missing that family Christmas party or annual friends gift exchange, make those events virtual as well! You don’t have to give up quality time just because you can’t be in person.
Holidays are often about our loved ones and staying connected. If your family gives gifts, continue with this tradition. Surprise loved ones by dropping off gifts at their front door or sending them in the mail. Giving gifts brings both us and the person receiving it joy. A thoughtful Christmas card or email can also be a great way to show you care and are thinking of your loved ones.
It could also be helpful for you to reflect and write about your experiences and how you’re feeling. How has your life changed in 2020? What have you learned? How will that knowledge impact you going forward? This reflection and potential time apart from family can help you evaluate your relationships and make sure they’re what you want them to be. Space can be a great break that ultimately helps improve our relationships. It allows us to appreciate people more. It can also help us work on boundaries and asserting our needs, which isn’t always an easy task, especially with family.
Ultimately, the holidays can be tricky, but it’s important, especially this year, to try to keep things in perspective. If you find yourself in a funk, please feel free to reach out. Even if you cannot see family this year, you don’t have to be alone.
Dr. Amelia Powelson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and the owner of Perspective Psychology, LLC. She can be reached at 312.588.9672 or amelia@perspectivepsychchicago.com.