2020 has been an exceptionally challenging year for many of us. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 infections still high across the US as we near Christmas, the Holiday season may remain isolating and stressful. Stay at home orders or advisory notes are in place in 10 states (California, Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts) requiring many of us to spend the Holidays separated from our loved ones.
In times like these, self-care and mental wellness are more important than ever. This holiday season, consider how you can celebrate, pamper yourself, and recharge all while doing your part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.
“How can I do so?”, you ask? Fear not; the Kintsugi team has gathered some ideas and recommendations for you to try:
1. Simplify your expectations
Many of us hold a deep-rooted belief that Christmas and the Holidays have to be perfect - the dinner, the gifts, the ‘White Christmas’ weather - it all has to be great. This desire for perfection creates pressure and stress. Try to let go of such ideas – especially this year. There’s nothing wrong with ordering basic takeout food and enjoying your Christmas meal alone in front of the TV if you choose to do so. Do not let expectations and perceived norms control your emotions.
2. Stay social - connect remotely
The Holiday Season has always been a time to connect with loved ones. This year doesn’t have to be any different – Zoom, GoogleMeet, Whatsapp, and simple phone calls mean that all of your contacts are only a few clicks away. Take some extra time this year to connect via these remote channels.
3. Stay social - with local friends
While you might not be able to meet up with your full family this Holiday Season, your local friends might be in the same situation. Consider inviting them over to enjoy a meaningful small outdoor/ social distanced gathering to substitute the traditional family dinner this year. To minimize the health risk from small-group gatherings, the CDC offers various considerations on its website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
4. Treat yourself
You’ve made it through a very tough year; celebrate a bit and pamper yourself. Whether that means taking a nice warm bath, watching a good movie, sleeping in until noon, preparing your favorite meal, or something else entirely - be good to yourself. You know you deserve it!
5. Acknowledge your feelings
You don’t have to enjoy everything about the holidays - especially this year. If you feel down, acknowledge how you feel and why. You can do this with quiet introspection, openly sharing with others, or by keeping a journal. (Hint: the Kintsugi Voice Journaling App is great for this and available for free in the Apple App Store for a limited time) Most importantly, remember that this too shall pass - you’ll feel better very soon.
We hope that some of these recommendations can help brighten up your Holiday Season!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Stay safe, and be happy!
Your Kintsugi team
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