COVID-19: How to navigate the isolation of COVID-restrictive holiday celebrations

Dec 10

Your holidays will most likely look different this year.

For some, that may be a relief. For others, that may be a huge disappointment. And others may be feeling neutral about it.

Here we'll focus on how to cope for those who are feeling sad, lonely, anxious, disappointed, etc. about the holiday season this year.

Schedule Zoom sessions with family and friends. If you’re already doing that, don’t be afraid to schedule more. There's no limit on free virtual meetings with loved ones.
Join virtual get togethers with others. A Google search can help you find virtual book clubs, happy hours, watch parties, and more.
Practice compassionate self-talk, gratitude, and other self-care consistently, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising.
Find socially distanced opportunities to volunteer.
Allow yourself to feel sad, angry, anxious, frustrated, and whatever else you may be feeling. You have every right to feel that way. We all do. Make sure to use that compassionate self-talk to remind yourself of that and validate everything you are feeling. This helps you feel the emotions, deal with them, and move on from them - instead of getting stuck or ruminating on unhelpful thoughts and feelings. Denying your feelings or telling yourself you “shouldn't” be feeling a certain way does more harm than good.
Get outside anytime the weather allows.
If social media use brings you stress, anxiety, or comparison to others that negatively impacts you, work on creating a healthy relationship with your social media. Limit the time you use it. Unfollow anyone or any page that does not add value to you. Remind yourself that social media is just a tool and people typically only share the “highlight reel" of their lives.
If you live with others, create new holiday traditions that you can do this year. Have a Home Alone marathon. Have a Christmas music dance party. Have a cookie bake off in your kitchen. Get creative, have fun, and make new memories.
Meet with a mental health professional on a regular basis.