Many Americans spend the holidays alone every year, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for people to see their loved ones, as travel has become more restricted and strenuous. If you’re one of these people who are spending their first holiday season alone this year, here are a few strategies you can try to make the situation a little easier. Don’t hold yourself to the usual standards. One of the best things about spending the holidays alone is that you can do things your way. You don’t have to worry about meeting everyone else’s standards. Instead, you only have to make yourself happy. Simply telling yourself that you are not going to have the usual holiday environment can slightly help, but redefining what the holiday means to you can remove a huge weight. Trying new things or looking toward the future are great ways to reduce the stress of spending the holidays alone. Keeping up with old traditions may remind you of what you’re missing out on, so it can greatly help to create your own traditions. Plan ahead. If you know in advance that you’re going to be spending the holidays alone, planning ahead can prevent negative feelings. While being spontaneous can sometimes keep things fresh, it could leave you with a feeling of hopelessness about what to do next. There’s no need for your list to be extensive or highly detailed, but even just planning to watch a movie or cook some of your favorite dishes can give you something to look forward to. Spending the Holidays Alone? BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH THESE TIPS
Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds Meet Senior Trial Attorney Michael Napolitano!
Senior trial attorney Michael Napolitano was first introduced to the legal field by his grandfather, who was a practicing attorney for over 40 years. Since legal work was less specialized then, his grandfather was a general practitioner who took all kinds of cases. It gave Michael a broader understanding of the law at a relatively young age. “I watched the way he worked with his clients,” he says, “and I think that influenced me to go to law school.”
While studying, Michael interned at Ross Cellino’s previous law firm, where he loved the environment. “You get to be in a courtroom, but you also get to sit with your clients, and many attorneys don’t get to do both,” he explains. “There are very few aspects of law where you can be in the courtroom on a daily basis.” His work at Cellino Law allows him to do just that while also giving him time to connect with his clients. That connection is where Michael finds the most satisfaction. “The best part of my job is building relationships with my clients,” he says. “I’m in a position to give them advice on something I specialize in, knowing I can help them tremendously and get them the compensation they deserve.” When he’s not working, Michael loves spending time with his wife, Julie, and their golden retriever, Capri. They enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, and Michael is a certified scuba diver. “I take the time to go scuba diving whenever I can,” he says. For that reason and more, he also enjoys traveling whenever he has the opportunity. Michael has now been practicing law for four years and credits his success, in part, to the support and mentorship he’s received at Cellino Law. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a great group of attorneys,” Michael says. “From day one, they’ve helped me hone my skills and taught me how to better advocate for my clients.”
Take care of yourself. Just because you’re not seeing people during the holidays does not mean you should forgo your basic needs. Stick to your regular hygiene habits and do not let them get away from you. The same goes for eating and sleeping. Staying clean, well-fed, and well-rested goes a long way toward improving your happiness.
As with all mental health advice, what works for some does
not work for everyone. Do what you think will work best for you and help you keep your thoughts happy.
2 Legal disclaimer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney advertising.
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