'Tis the Season of Joy?

It’s the holiday season again. This year will definitely look different from any other year due to COVID. It’s supposed to be the most joyful time of the year according to advertisements. I’m sure many of you are struggling to find joy during this turbulent year. I want to encourage you to find joy to help maintain your mental health. I was speaking to a widow who lost her husband 14 years ago. She hasn't put up a Christmas tree since his passing. She has always said that it “didn’t feel right to have one without him here”. However, this year she has changed her mind. With COVID causing a gloomy cloud over this year, she decided it was time to get a tree. She said that she needed some “sparkle and joy” in her home and life. She is taking control and seeking joy where she could find it and sometimes it takes the shape of a small Christmas tree in your living room. This made me think about finding joy to brighten my day. I began seeking out joy. Here are some ways I found joy

• Baking holiday cookies

• Listening to holiday music

• Walk outside looking holiday lights

• Call/zoom a friend or family member to have a good laugh

• Watching a fun holiday movie (my favorite is Die Hard)

• Hang fun festive lights in your home to add some sparkle

• Dress your pet up in a festive outfit

• Reading a good book

I want to encourage you to take a few moments out of your day to find joy. This will significantly improve your mood. If you are unable to find joy, please reach out to me or any other therapist to help. All of our mental health has been stretched to its limits this year, but we all deserve a moment of joy.