Under normal circumstances, the holiday season can bring several mixed emotions, including joy, loneliness, anxiety, stress, excitement, burnout, and/or conflict. It would be an understatement to say that these feelings and emotions will be magnified this year. Covid-19 has caused both gradual and sudden shifts in our outlook, relationships, routines, and traditions. All of which demands a new approach to the holiday season.

Here are a few suggestions to help you manage your holiday during the pandemic.

Remember You are Not Alone

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of recurrent depressive disorder in which episodes of loneliness and depression occur during the same season each year. Commonly referred to as the holiday blues, SAD can affect anyone during the holidays. However, according to the National Alliance of Mental Health, 64% of people with mental illness report the holiday season adversely impacts their conditions.

This year, in particular, many people are worried about their job security and their health. Many people will be forced to stay home due to travel restrictions and health department guidelines. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that this situation is only temporary.

Connect Virtually

While we would all love to have our typical holiday gatherings with family and friends, we’ve all been advised to avoid large groups or gathering with people outside of our immediate household to slow the spread of the virus. While this is disappointing, it doesn’t mean you can’t connect through other means. Taking advantage of virtual platforms, such as Zoom and Skype, allows you to engage and interact with your loved ones while remaining safe during the pandemic.

holidays during covid

Follow the Rules

If you are traveling over the holiday season with your family, be sure to follow the rules and guidelines in your area. Keep your gatherings small and intimate, avoiding large crowds. Whenever possible, gather outside and maintain social distancing. When gathering indoors, keep groups small, wear masks, and maintain social distancing. Be sure to travel with hand sanitizer, and if you are feeling ill, do not travel. While this may put a damper on your holiday plans, it’s important to remember that the rules are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Protect Your Mental Health

Fatigue around COVID-19, combined with continued isolation, can add an extra layer to an already stressful time of year. However, this is the perfect time to practice self-care to protect your mental health. Since many people are forced to stay home instead of traveling this year, take the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Pamper yourself with a home spa day
Curl up with a book to learn something new
Relax, rest, and maintain a normal sleep routine to feel refreshed and renewed
Unplug from news and social media and enjoy some

Celebrate with Traditions

Although this holiday season will look different, you can celebrate safely. Try to keep things as normal as possible. If your traditions can take place at home, be sure to include them in your holiday plans. Whether it’s decorating your home, baking, or watching your favorite holiday movies, maintaining traditions is essential to happiness and wellness. Instead of large holiday gatherings, new traditions can be conducted virtually (such as a scavenger hunt, recipe swap, or playing games on websites and apps).

holidays at home during covid

Ask for help

If the holiday season is causing you to experience heightened anxiety or depression, don’t go through it alone. Reach out to your social network or call a mental health professional to schedule an appointment. The professionals at Be Psychology want to help you during these challenging times.

Our team consists of clinicians and psychologists with a wide range of expertise and experience committed to helping your personal development. We understand that asking for help takes courage, and we are passionate about helping our clients find the solutions they need to deal with depression.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your consultation with a psychologist in Dubai.