With the ongoing pandemic infringing on holiday merriment, many of us are feeling like a Grinch. The ways we connected with one another a couple of years ago look different from how we connect now. Feelings of anxiousness and uncertainty are to be expected. If all of this rings true for you, it may help to know that holiday traditions can help combat anxiety.
Although it may not be what your inner Grinch wants to hear, yearly rituals like decorating a tree and hanging up lights can create an atmosphere of security. Humans have had rituals for millions of years. Our brains are wired for them, and you can have and enjoy rituals regardless of your religion or lack thereof.
Mental Health and Ritual
Scientists have spent a great deal of time trying to understand why humans have such a mind for rituals. A common theory is that they give us a sense of agency or control. For our entire existence, humans have lived in a world that is unpredictable. Rituals are a way for our minds to maintain stability during so much chaos. A few notable benefits of rituals backed scientific research are:
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Improves sleep
- Calms the mind
- Nurtures self-awareness
Rituals and habits are notably different. A habit has a desired outcome which can be obtained by maintaining a habit. For example, brushing your teeth to avoid getting cavities is a habit. Rituals have no impact on a situation. One example of this is throwing salt over your shoulder to avoid bad luck. Does it affect your luck? No, but it gives you something to do about it, and that’s what an anxious brain wants.
How Tradition Helps Anxiety
Because we know that rituals have such a positive impact on mental health, we can logically connect this with holiday tradition. After all, we do rituals at a certain time in a certain way each time it’s done. Putting up holiday lights or decorating a tree certainly aren’t everyday occurrences. They’re an annual ritual or tradition.
A return to “normal”
Because we’ve had to adapt so much during the pandemic, many of us feel emotionally exhausted and withdrawn. We’re longing for a time when things were relatively “normal.” Holiday traditions like making cookies or your favorite childhood desserts can bring about a sense of security. By repeating behaviors from the past, when there was normalcy, you remind your brain that you still have some control over your life.
Mood booster
Digging the lights out of the attic might feel like a ton of labor, but it would be worth it! Research suggests that these kinds of rituals can be particularly effective in the pandemic. By leaving decorations in the box or skipping out on holiday films, you risk falling into a sense of helplessness and withdrawal. If you’ve got the holiday blues, host an online video party with a few friends and watch an old-time favorite.
Taps into creativity
For as long as humans have had traditions and rituals, we’ve been adapting to change. This may seem like an obvious statement, but it’s worth contemplation. When we face a massive change like the loss of a job or a loved one or a holiday get-together, we also face an opportunity to adapt. This adaptation takes thought and creativity. If your favorite holiday tradition is out of your reach this year, think about how you can adapt and revive it.
Finally…
The holidays tend to be a difficult time for many of us. We often dwell on the past, miss our loved ones more strongly, and fall into unhealthy habits. If you feel alone and anxious this holiday season, read more about anxiety treatment and contact me soon for help. We can support you through a difficult time and help you discover ways you can find joy during the holidays.
