The LCADA Way Tips on Coping with the Holidays & COVID-19 Stress

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and the most recent Governor’s restrictions on travel and group interactions, along with Thanksgiving and the holidays just around the corner, you may be feeling stressed. Add to this school aged kids at home, working from home and the changing weather, it’s clear the warm holiday traditions you cherish will be upended. It’s no surprise you’ll likely encounter increased stress and anxiety, especially those battling addictions and mental health disorders. To help you cope, here are some tips from the staff at The LCADA Way.

Mentally prepare yourself for the holidays. Managing your expectations for the winter season can help you prepare for what’s to come. Before filling out your calendar for the season, sit down and be realistic with yourself. Focus on what’s meaningful this season. It will be different than past years and will likely not come with the same family traditions. Think small and intimate.

Make safe choices for your family. Once you’ve identified your priorities, plan how you can meet your expectations in a way that’s safe and responsible. Whether you host a virtual dinner, spend the holidays at home or create new traditions, everyone needs to be more creative to have a meaningful holiday season this year. And remember, even though you may be tired of wearing masks and social distancing, these practices have proven helpful in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Avoid bad behaviors. When stressed, you may find yourself turning to alcohol or other drugs or unhealthy foods. It’s important to recognize this coping mechanism only gives you short-term relief and can worsen your physical and mental health. Instead, take the extra time at home to sit down and plan out some realistic goals you’d like to achieve in the