November 30, 2020

Here's Abi Kane one of our young people with some top tips for you.

1. First and foremost, do not compare yourself to others on social media throughout this time. When someone is posting pictures with their families in a comfortable environment with all the holidays decorations and you find yourself comparing yourselves remember that comparison is the thief of joy and we don’t know their full story.

2. Make your space comfortable. Spend the extra money and put up those twinkly lights and buy the large peppermint coffee flavoring. If you are finding yourself spending a lot of down time sleeping, purchase some new pajama sets that make you feel comfortable and look forward to that down time.

3. Remember what your “joy” looks like, it could be as simple as your family having time off work which allows extra time to yourself or the holiday lights you see on your way from home. For me it is having my fiancé & Mom by my side on the couch while we watch a move in quiet and facetiming my nephew across the country. I also love seeing the excitement of my kids at work as the seasons change and the Holidays get closer.

4. If your body is telling you to rest, rest. No matter how big or small your to do list is.

5. Money can be hard throughout the Holidays no matter what, COVID may have made that harder for some of us. If you are not able to get all the presents you want for those around, get a pack of Holiday cards and write them a letter on why you appreciate them being in your life and tell them the reasons they make your life brighter.

6. Stick to a routine, this one is harder than the others. If you know working out makes you feel better or reading a few chapters in your book. Make those obligations to yourself and don’t break them like you wouldn’t break obligations to your work or others.

7. Reach out to people who want to help you. Even if it is uncomfortable to do there are people who want to help and be there to listen if you are having a hard time. If you are reading this and don’t have someone who comes to mind right away, HERE I AM! I am always here to help guide others through this trying time.

8. Be kind to yourself. What we are experiencing in 2020 is hard and scary, give yourself a break and let yourself feel frustrated and upset. If it is unbearable, seek help.

9. Make your own Holiday traditions, I know I have made a few for myself and when I am feeling upset about my family not always being like the others. I have those special traditions I have made for myself I get to look forward to and carry on to my future family. My sister and I always mail our matching pajamas to each other, even though we are not together on the Holidays. we still have our matching pajamas on when Christmas Eve comes around.

10. If the time change and weather is a big issue for yourself and you have no interest in doing outdoor activities throughout the winter season or the energy, invest in a “happy light”. This is something that brings the daylight indoors by emitting a bright full spectrum light that mimics sunshine without harmful UV rays. I have one and I know when I force myself to use it regularly and beginning of quarantine it helped me so much.

I hope these few tips helps you navigate this insane year we are all witnessing. I know I am one among many when I say my inbox is always open to talk if you need someone to just listen or to offer you advice. Keep on Keepin’ on Warriors!

Abi Kane Young Person HDYO