Holiday Tips and Coping Skills
The holidays can be an especially hard time for many of us. Planning gifts or even figuring out how to safely gather with loved one amidst the pandemic can be quite stressful and cause anxiety. While we cannot necessarily avoid the season, we can take action to help reduce our stress and have a Healthier Holiday! Below are a few recommendations:
Tips for coping with depression/anxiety/loneliness during the holidays:
- Exercise – scheduling regular times can be helpful
- Get adequate rest – six to eight hours of sleep recommended for adults
- Develop a holiday budget – avoid spending beyond your means
- Get some fresh air – combat seasonal affective disorder, which can develop due to decreased daylight during winter months
- Plan holiday activities – like putting up Christmas decorations, shopping, and baking
- Connect with family and friends online – schedule phone calls, Facetimes, or zoom dates with loved ones
- Pay attention to your stress symptoms – seek professional help if you need to
Reference used: uihc.org
Easy No Bake Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 container of cool whip topping (thawed)
- 1 16-ounce package of vanilla wafers
- 14 bananas sliced
*recipe can be cut in half*
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Blend in condensed milk until smooth. Stir in vanilla and fold in whipped topping. Layer wafers, bananas and pudding mixture in a glass serving bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Reference used: allrecipes.com