In a normal year, the end of the year can be stressful. Shorter days, exam stress, and even the holidays can have a negative effect on one’s psyche. The added anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic takes the typical tension experienced in this season and heightens it. And when visiting family and friends is off the table for the most part — or completely, for many — that take an emotional toll, and even cause other significant health issues.
Thankfully, there are ways to combat the stress of social isolation and loneliness. UW Health recently published an article with some helpful hints on how to stay mentally healthy this season.
Here are some of the suggestions they make:
Take Care of Yourself: This means eating healthy, exercise, sleep well, and use healthy stress management tools, such as meditation or finding healthy, relaxing distractions.
Be Kind: To yourself and others. Do things that bring you joy. Develop comforting rituals, such as having a calming hot beverage, watch a favorite movie, read a good book, etc. Donate your time and/or resources to people in need or a cause you feel strongly about. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel, and do whatever you want to do.
Reach Out: To mental health professionals if you feel that you need it. To friends and family who may also be experiencing the same loneliness as you. Leave a holiday gift for people you care about on their front door, or send through the mail. Ask for support if you need it, or offer support to your friends and loved ones.
To read more, visit the article shared by UW Health.
Stay happy and healthy this Winter Holiday Season!