Are you feeling the stress of the Holiday Season? You are not alone. Holidays added with the COVID 19 pandemic can be overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare yourself and your family for the holidays.

1. Focus on what is meaningful to you and your family this holiday season.

Make safe choices for your family. Yearly family traditions may need to be altered this year. It is okay to decide to stay home to keep yourself and others safe. Create new traditions such as a virtual family meal or game night. Focus on what you can control and not what you cannot control.

2. Just because it is the holiday season, does not mean you have to force yourself to be happy all the time.

If you have had a recent loss of a loved one or you cannot be with loved ones for other reasons, accept that it is normal to feel sadness and grief. It is ok to cry and express your feelings.

3. If you are feeling overwhelmed, slow down, and acknowledge your feelings.

Take a few minutes away from what you are doing to reflect on why you are feeling that way. Ask yourself if what you are feeling stressed about is even worth getting upset over. Give yourself permission to not sweat the small stuff.

4. Take time to take care of yourself.

Try your best to get enough rest, eat nutritious meals, kick back and read a book or listen to a podcast, reach out, and connect with family and friends. Exercise helps to boost your mood and energy. Get outside and get some sunshine! Too cold or rainy to go outside, get up and dance in your house…. just get moving.

5. It is okay to ask for help.

If you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, irritable, or hopeless, unable to sleep, or constantly ill, talk with your doctor or mental health professional.

You can take control of the holidays with a little bit of planning and a positive attitude. Remember Health before the Holidays!