SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS ALONE? Boost Your Mood With These Tips
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.
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.
MEET KATHY ELSON
Kathy Elson, her husband, Rick, and yours truly!
Our dear friend, Kathy Elson, has been a client for over 20 years. She was born and raised in Amlin, Ohio (much of which was annexed by Dublin a few years ago), and still lives there. She’s been married to Rick for 51 years. They raised four girls and are blessed with five grandkids and two great-grandchildren! A graduate of Hilliard High School, Kathy worked for and was injured at Rage Corporation in Hilliard. Rage manufactures plastic containers and components. She injured her back moving boxes of plastic forms, feeling a pop and displacing a lower lumbar disc. The injury happened on a Sunday. She saw her doctor the next day and has been unable to work since. Her doctors initially tried physical therapy, water therapy, and pain management. These didn’t help the low back pain that radiated down both legs. So, she then underwent an anterior lumbar fusion, which made things worse! Having always been active raising her family and gardening, she had to limit her normal routine significantly. Rick and the girls help with chores, shopping, and doctor appointments.
During visits with one of her doctors (who has since retired), she met another “famous” Amlin resident: my dad, Joe! Now, my dad (who had also injured his back working a retirement gig at Walmart) “never met a stranger,” having been in sales all his life. He was also loud and liked to stir things up, even at his doctor’s office visits. (His headstone is inscribed, at his request, with “still running my mouth!”) Kathy would always ask about him when we’d talk on the phone or have hearings … occasionally, she’d share with me some of his antics at the doctor’s office.
We recently helped her receive permanent disability benefits, which will help pay the bills.
She has experienced a lot of difficult times since her injury, including losing a daughter recently. But here’s the thing: The first thing she does whenever we talk is ask how others are doing! She is one of the kindest souls I’ve met. She doesn’t dwell on the negatives and tries to stay positive through the pains of injury and life. She’s just a treat to know, and we are very fond of her.
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