Health

How to navigate holidays during COVID-19 – MyWellbeing



As we head into another holiday season with a pandemic looming, what to do somehow seems less clear than ever. With the COVID-19 vaccine now widely available to more and more age groups, some people are eager to gather or travel on holiday while others are more inclined to spend time alone or Stick to virtual celebrations. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to how to spend the holidays.

Of course, deciding on whether to gather for the pre-COVID-19 holidays. School, work, time, distance, family circumstances, finances, and more can all determine whether someone decides to gather for the holidays.

Setting boundaries and communicating them well are two important tools in your tool belt for navigating any social setting, and they’re even more important when times are tough. Here are some tips, with input from our therapists, on how to navigate the holidays, especially during COVID-19.

Know what your boundaries are when it comes to holiday gatherings

Setting boundaries is often “the biggest part of the annual holiday season, but especially now with the changes COVID-19 has created,” says Lily Ostler, a New York City therapist and MyWellbeing community member. “Setting boundaries can be extremely difficult, as family members or people in our lives often feel attacked or harmed by them.”

While setting boundaries is hard, it’s not all about restrictions. Boundaries are about what makes you comfortable and safe — and it’s important that you ask and consider the boundaries of others.

“First, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re allowed to set boundaries and that this is an effort to keep a relationship with someone healthy and strong,” says Lily. “Next, take some time to think about what’s important to you and what makes you comfortable or uncomfortable. Journaling can be a useful tool for this.” She says ask yourself:

  • If I am immunized, will I be comfortable around people who have not been vaccinated?

  • Am I comfortable sharing my immunization status?

  • Are there any safety precautions that are important to me?

“It’s no secret that vaccinations have become a hot topic politically over the past few months,” Daniel Sieber, a New York City therapist and MyWellbeing community member. “When communicating your concerns to a friend or loved one, it’s important to set boundaries around discussing safety, as it can easily turn into an ideological argument.” .

When relying on sources to make your decision or explain your reasoning, use reputable sources

If we’ve learned one thing over the past few years, it’s that our lives are in constant flux. Adapting to change can be difficult, especially when guidelines and restrictions are updated frequently, and not everyone agrees on the best.

Daniel said: “While vaccination may provide a greater sense of relief when it comes to holiday gatherings than it was last year, there is still a lot of uncertainty about day-to-day safety procedures.

“Some vaccinated people remain as cautious as before during the peak of the pandemic due to continued risk around variations where others may have returned to their pre-pandemic lifestyle. . It is important not to assume that everyone who gets vaccinated is performing the same way as you. “

Staying safe is important, but it’s also important to nurture your relationships and connect with the people you love. When considering what you can do, as well as how you can discuss your plans and decisions with others, it’s important to rely on high-quality sources. It is possible to balance what you need to do for your mental health with what you want to do to maintain your physical health.

Loneliness was already an American pandemic before COVID-19, with more than half of Americans reporting loneliness before the pandemic. Additionally, many adults report pandemic-related anxiety or stress has had a negative impact on their mental health.

Many people have not seen family and friends as much as they have in the past few years, and while it may be easy to say, “don’t travel if you don’t want to,” as with most things, saying easier than doing.

CDC provides guidance on safer ways to celebrate the holidays, which they update regularly:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are in an indoor public setting if you are not fully immunized

  • Even people who are fully immunized should wear a mask in indoor public places in communities where transmission is significantly high.

  • You may choose to wear a mask regardless of how contagious the disease is if a member of your family is immunocompromised, at high risk for severe illness, or has not been vaccinated.

  • Safer outdoors than indoors

  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces

  • If you are sick or have symptoms, do not organize or attend a gathering

  • Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19

Standing on someone’s doorstep and being surprised they don’t share your pandemic methods is not the way to go! It can be even more intense if you’re playing the host. The list of things to consider goes beyond vaccines and masks:

  • If people are traveling, do they have to be tested or quarantined?

  • Will there be outdoor gatherings or the expected distance indoors?

  • Is food served in a certain way to avoid crowds at buffets or tables?

  • Are guests allowed to stay overnight or should they look for accommodations instead?

  • Are guests expected to join a solo gathering or mingle with a single group on holiday or during the holiday season?

“Once you have sorted out your own wants, needs, and emotions, you can start communicating them,” says Lily.

Communicate your expectations prior to holiday or travel events, if possible

“Understand what your comfort level is before making plans” Daniel Sieber, a New York City therapist and MyWellbeing community member. “Explain your concerns to the server and ask about their safety measures.” And if you’re a host, ask guests about their plans and share your own.

If you can discuss expectations and behaviors early on, everyone can be on the same page about basic rules for masks and other safety measures, or at least know what each other’s boundaries are. what.

“Often, starting to set boundaries with a positive statement that reaffirms your care can be beneficial,” says Lily. Here are some options she suggests:

  • I’m sorry to miss X party or X holiday gathering. I love you (or something positive), however I’m not comfortable being in the same space as unvaccinated adults. Thank you for your understanding.

  • I am not comfortable discussing or explaining my vaccine status. I appreciate your understanding.

  • I would love to come/attend but am wondering if vaccinations or negative test results or masks are required? Will there be masks?

  • (If someone tries to engage with a divisive topic) I hear you and understand you have your opinion. I don’t want to discuss this right now, because it’s a holiday. Thank you for your understanding.

While it is important to consider the feelings of others when we communicate, it is also important to take into account the things that are important to you. Studies have shown that people are actually more receptive and less vulnerable than expected when they receive rejections with explanations for COVID-related concerns. You’ll enjoy your stay more if you feel safe and comfortable, and using open and honest communication can help.

The holidays can be hard to navigate, even in the best of times

While it’s always important to take care of your mental health, especially during the holidays, they’re often a stressful time — and COVID-19 only heightens this feeling for many people.

As things continue to change, it’s more important than ever to be clear about what’s important to you, proactively share it with others, and care about others’ expectations and boundaries.

When we know our boundaries and talk to friends and family about them, holiday gatherings can be a much smoother experience, however we decide to navigate them.





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