Remember last holiday season when all you had to worry about was political talk at the table? Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and burnout from all the restrictions, it’s easy to use the holidays as an excuse to turn a blind eye to the rules and pretend for one day that the virus is gone. But the truth is that it’s even more important now to not let your guard down.
“COVID-19 restriction fatigue is a very real feeling that can play out in different ways,” said Jaclyn Guliano, MD, MS, FAAFP, a family medicine physician at Family Practice of CentraState in Marlboro. “There are a wide variety of emotions right now and it’s completely understandable. Some may feel confused about what to believe, angry at not being able to return to old ways, sad and lonely not spending holidays and other events as planned, or just plain exhausted. These feelings can lead to bending the rules and getting lax about safety – but it’s important to realize that although you might be ‘over it’, COVID is definitely not over.”
As COVID-19 cases rise locally, Dr. Guliano said, now is not the time to take risks with your health and the health of those you love. Instead try these 3 ways to help you cope:
- Remember why you are doing this. We are all in this together. Continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and follow the other guidelines put in place to help control the spread of the virus. Keeping up these practices not only keeps you and your family safe but contributes to the greater good of the community.
- Seek Support. What are you doing to cope with the feelings that the pandemic is causing? Stay in touch with friends and family, knowing that they are there to lend and ear and support you through these times. Mental health is essential to our overall well-being and is important to prioritize, especially now. It may be a good idea to look into healthy ways to cope like meditation, yoga, exercise and even professional counseling and therapy. Many behavioral health experts offer virtual appointments so you can get the help you need from the safety of your home.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you continue to eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. It is also important to keep up with your primary care physician and other specialists. Numerous safety protocols are in place to keep patients safe and healthy, but don’t let fear of the virus keep you from getting the care you need. Many providers are offering telemedicine visits to allow you to stay in touch with your doctor virtually, which has been an excellent asset during the pandemic. CentraState’s virtual wellness program also has lots of great ways for you to focus on you. Visit LiveLifeWellNJ.com to learn more.
If you do decide to host a holiday meal, take this quiz to see if your gathering could lead to a spread event and have safe holiday season.
