Navigating the Holidays during COVID-19

The Fall and Winter Holidays represent different things for each person. This can include positive experiences (hope, connection) and or challenges (loneliness, grief, stress, conflict, financial concerns). In reality, life doesn’t always mirror social media or advertising. This year, due to the Pandemic, there is an extra over-lay of grief, stress and anxiety, related to loss, isolation, and complications (due to restrictions on travel and gathering). Below are some resources to help you cope and stay healthy during this holiday season. If you are finding it difficult to navigate any of these challenges, please don’t hesitate to contact the EAP for confidential assistance at 866-724-4327.

Holiday Stress (COVID)

• MGH-Benson Henry Institute – How to Manage Holiday Stress
• VeryWell Mind – Managing the Seemingly Inevitable Holiday Season Stress
• Real Simple – How to Cope if you Can’t See Family and Friends this Holiday Season
• APA – Managing Conversations when you Disagree Politically
• Mass General Brigham EAP – General COVID-19 Stress Management and Mental Health Resources 

Grief and the Holidays (COVID)

• Grief.com – Grief and the Holidays
• The Hospice Foundation of America – Three C’s for Holiday Grief
• Mass General Brigham EAP – General COVID-19 Grief Resources

Maintaining your Physical Health during the Holiday Season (COVID)

• Information on Vaccines for Mass General Brigham Employees
• Mass.Gov – Guidance to Help Keep Everyone Healthy during the 2020 Holiday Season
• CDC – Considerations for Staying Healthy at the Holidays
• Washington Post – An interactive Guide to Traveling Safely for the Holidays
• Emerson Hospital – Good Health Tips for the Pandemic Holidays
• Mass General Brigham EAP – Managing your Physical Health during COVID-19

Financial Wellbeing during the Holidays (COVID)

• MoneyFit – COVID-19 and Budgeting for the Holidays
• Smart about Money – Control your Holiday Spending
• Mass General Brigham EAP – General COVID-19 Financial Resources