• By: Meira Care
• Date: 12.15.2020

5 Mindful Tips to De-Stress This Holiday Season!

The biggest party season of all is here. As much as we would like for things to be back to normal, this Christmas will certainly look different. In a year of the unexpected, one thing has come to be expected: change.

As Covid-19 case numbers rise and fall in your area, it is normal to feel uncheery this time of year!

Following recommendations from CDC, we have put together 3 simple steps to navigating Christmas during Covid. Continue reading on ways to make your own Christmas as safe (and special) as possible.

1. Take care of yourself Being away from family and friends can be hard. Its ok to decide to remain apart during the holidays. The safety of your and your loved ones is priority.
2. Do what is best for your household Eat healthy foods and get plenty of sleep. Stay active to decrease fatigue, anxiety, and sadness.
3. Spend time with the people in your household Not spending time with extended family and friends means you can spend more time with your immediate family members.

While it can be a time for celebration, family, food, and fun, it can most certainly also be a time when we feel alone, disconnected or isolated. As we manage this pandemic together, it is important to follow guidelines from your local health authority. Regardless, this year, the holidays will be different which can affect some of us in negative ways.

Here are 5 ways to destress this holiday season:

1. Reach out for help
   If you think your stress and/or depression is getting in the way of normal daily life and is setting you back from doing the things you want to, reach out. Talk to a doctor about your stress and let him or her know that it has been negatively impacting your life.
2. Spend time with loved ones (virtually!)
   Because we are in the middle of a covid-19 pandemic, it makes it a little difficult to connect with our friends and family, but that does not have to stop us. Connect with family and friends virtually and make social distancing and physical distancing a no brainer! Set up a Skype or Zoom meeting and have a nice conversation with loved ones
3. Organize your tasks
   With Christmas and New Year’s being around the corner, there is obviously going to be a lot of preparing and planning that needs to be done. A great way to not feel overwhelmed with all the tasks at hand is to organize them using a planner, agenda, or calendar!
4. Go into the sunlight
   Another way of decreasing the winter blues is to go into some sunlight. It will not be cloudy every day of the winter, so why not make quality use of bright weather? Sunlight is said to improve mood and kill pathogens, ultimately reducing stress.
5. Exercise
   You hear it all the time, whether it is from your doctor, or a gym junkie friend: try to exercise more often! Many studies have proven that exercising has positive effects on your mental health and that exercising can decrease and control your stress levels. Even a simple cardio workout such as taking a quick stroll around your neighbourhood can show these results.

As the world gets ready for the holiday season, times can get stressful. Speak with a virtual doctor about your mental health today. Remember that what’s different may make this holiday more special.

Disclaimer: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.