KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON!
· Kelly Anthony
The Truth
2020 has been a challenging year to say the very least. Due to the pandemic, many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. People who have worked in the same industry for years are now having to make drastic career moves that were not expected or planned. Making a career change in the middle of a crisis is extremely stressful, especially on top of everything else that this year has thrown at us. In addition to the thousands of people who have unexpectedly lost their jobs, many parents have had to make the difficult decision to either reduce hours or quit their jobs altogether in order to stay home to facilitate distance learning with their children. With the holidays coming up many families are feeling the financial and emotional strain to be able to keep up with the annual special traditions, gifts, meals, time with family and friends, and parties that they are used to.
Take Action
This year we may need to think beyond what we normally do and come up with some creative ways to make the holidays special even with all the limits we are facing. Take a drive around town to look at Christmas lights and drinking hot cocoa, visit a Christmas tree farm, take a stroll along the river, go on a nature walk, have a zoom meeting with friends, play games with those inside your circle or online, watch movies at home with fresh popcorn, drive out to the country or to the coast, or drive up to see the snow are just some of the inexpensive, socially-distanced options that are still available to us at this time.
Stay With It
Stress management and self-care have become more important than ever, and people need to find hope in new places. Many people have found that spending more time in nature has been healing and reviving during this time. Walking is an easily accessible activity that has tremendous health benefits including stress reduction, here are just a few to consider https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking. Research has shown that aromatherapy is effective at fighting stress as well, try lavender, rose, sandalwood or orange blossom, here are some other reasons to try it: https://www.verywellmind.com/aromatherapy-for-stress-research-and-techniques-3144598
Try downloading one of the many mental health apps and practice some relaxation techniques on a regular basis. You can go to this website to see a list and description of some of them available: https://www.stress.org/mental-health-apps
You Really Aren’t Alone!
Reach out for help. Remember, that even though it may feel like it, you are not alone in your struggles right now. Although we are each affected differently, we are all still affected, so don’t be afraid to be open and honest with others and get the help and support that you need. If you feel like you may need professional help, reach out for help from our counselor team at Life Encounter Counseling, we are here to support you through these challenging times.