Coping with COVID during the holidays

A man sits on the floor of Penn Station as an electronic billboard in the background reminds commuters that not traveling is the best way to keep coronavirus from spreading as Thanksgiving nears, New York, NY, November 17, 2020. Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA.

Feelings of loneliness and depression have intensified during the pandemic, and not seeing any end to COVID-19 adds to the anxiety.

Family therapist Maria Mir says it’s important to build new traditions and hobbies, and put the current situation into perspective. That includes cooking special dinners and spending time with loved ones on Zoom or FaceTime. Self care, such as walking and meditating, also help.

“You got to push through no matter how hard it is, because if you don’t do anything, it’s going to feel a lot worse,” Mir says.