Coping with holiday stress during the pandemic is new for all of us. When we think about the holiday season, we think about meeting our family and friends, buying gifts, and preparing the decorations but all these tasks can be funny but also stressful. This year particularly, with the pandemic all our plans might need to be changed which can cause stress and anxiety.

Why are you feeling so stressed and sad this year?

Accordingly to Verywell mind “more than 80% of us find the holiday season to be ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ stressful”.

With COVID-19 cases increasing and the holiday season just around the corner, you might be feeling stressed. You need to change your family plans. The days are getting shorter. The weather is getting cold. Additionally, having kids at home, dealing with stressful working situations, and don’t see an end to this pandemic situation. It’s not easy to cope with the holiday stress during the pandemic.

What can you do to cope with the stress from the holiday season?

• Be realistic: The most important thing to do is be realistic and understand this year will be different from the others. Make realistic expectations and goals for the holiday season.
• Make safe choices for your family: Once you have identified your expectations, it’s time to make safe choices and be responsible. Why not try to host a virtual dinner or create new traditions?
• Stick to a budget: With the pandemic, a lot of us faced a cut in our budget. Plan and organize how much you really need to spend and stick to it.
• Try to see the positive: even if it’s a different year, enjoy the time you can spend with those from your household.
• Reduce the levels of stress: With fewer family members on the table, take this chance to reduce the stress by organizing everything, make the holiday season more simple for you!

When to seek support?

The holiday season is not a happy time of the year for all of us. f a loved one recently died or you aren’t near your loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness or grief. Allow yourself to cry every now and then. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it is the holiday season. Seek help if you are struggling to deal with your emotions and feelings.

At BAC, we can help you to cope with the holiday stress during the pandemic. Book a free 20min session with one of our counselors and get help today.

During this holiday season, look after yourself first.