by Abbey Boothe
Eat with others.
Canada Food Guide recommends eating in the company of others as much as possible[i]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, having friends and family over for dinner can be difficult however, there are ways to enjoy meals with others safely!
- Schedule a video chat dinner with some friends or your family who you cannot see.
- Try planning a dinner with people or a person in your bubble.
- Email friends your favourite recipe and ask for one back.
These are all great ways to share your love of holiday cooking, and show how food brings us together, even if it’s not physically together!
Exercise.
This doesn’t mean you need to start a whole new workout routine or training for a marathon, but getting some type of exercise daily has many benefits. Going for a short walk can help improve sleep, anxiety, and reduce your risk of depression[ii]. During the colder months, it’s easy to want to stay inside but bundle up, and take a socially distanced walk with a friend, or take your dog out for some exercise.
Connect with loved ones you are unable to see.
The holidays are a time to see loved ones who m you may not otherwise see during the year. This holiday season, will look a little bit different. There will be many friends and family members we are unable to see in person because of COVID-19 restrictions. It’s important to remember that just because we can’t get together does not mean we can’t connect virtually or show we care. Schedule a phone call, video chat, or create a holiday movie club. Pick a movie to watch and share it with your friends; everyone can watch the movie from the comfort of their home, but then you can chat afterwards and discuss the movie! These little things can make us feel connected even when we are far apart.
Make time for traditions – even if they’re a little different this year.
Traditions are many people’s favourite part of the holiday season. Some of your favourite ones might seem impossible this year. Don’t fret! Get creative! Think of ways you can still celebrate your traditions even if they’re not exactly the same. For example, a favourite restaurant that you always go to during the holidays is closed because of COVID-19, try making your favourite dish from the restaurant at home, or try take-out or delivery from a local restaurant
It’s okay to say no.
The holidays are a busy time. Sometimes you may feel you have so many things to do or too many things to plan. If you feel overwhelmed about having too much on your plate, remember it is okay to say no to someone or something if you don’t feel up to it. [iii] The holidays are about spreading love, and if you are not taking care of yourself first, you will not be able to truly enjoy the time that you do spend with loved ones.
Practice gratitude.
The holidays can go by very quickly. They come and go before we’ve had a chance to realize or take it all in. Remember to leave time in your schedule to practice gratitude[iv]; whatever that looks like for you. Whether it means performing a meditation, listening to your favourite holiday music, or calling a family member and having a chat. Leave time to cherish the special moments because sometimes we can get so caught up that we forget to enjoy what’s going on around us.
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[1] https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/eat-meals-with-others/
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
