The saying is true, “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” but sometimes the holidays aren’t as picture perfect as you may want them to be. As we enter our twenties, life has most likely thrown its fair share of curveballs. Whether it’s economic hardships, parents’ divorce, the loss of a loved one, or stressful decisions about the future, life’s problems seem to loom larger during the holiday season.
However, as the seasons change and festivities begin, it’s important to find joy despite your circumstances. Here are four ways to cope with hardships during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Turn your focus outward
There’s no doubt that college is a privilege, and so are many other things in our lives. When your problems seem immense, it may be hard to gain some perspective in your life, but if you do, the benefits will be worth it. The holidays are the prime time to give back to your community or around the world. Try visiting a local soup kitchen, singing Christmas carols at a nursing home, or packing boxes for Samaritan’s Purse. Giving to those in need will get your mind off of your worries and blessing others ends up being an even bigger blessing for yourself.
2. Have some fun
Embracing your situation and coping with your problems is important, but don’t forget to have some fun! Laughter is truly the best medicine. Gather your family around and watch a holiday classic like Christmas Vacation and you’re sure to get some laughs. Go see one of the many movies that come out this time of year and get wrapped up in some fictional troubles for a while. Break out games like Taboo or play an old standby like charades. A grin on your face and laughter in the air will release the tension you may be feeling and create hilarious memories that will last a lifetime.
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3. Step Outside
There’s nothing a little fresh air can’t fix. Spending time in the great wide open is one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring a smile to your face. What is Thanksgiving without a family game of touch football? Getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing will release endorphins that have been pent up for way too long. Maybe you can just cozy up on your back porch with a cup of apple cider and look at the stars or pack up the car and roll the windows down to look at Christmas lights. Build a snowman, or go on a walk through your neighborhood. Going outside will clear your head and lighten your spirits.
4. Get spiritual
No matter your religion, or if you’re not religious at all, embracing spirituality during a tough time is never a bad thing. Recognizing that there is a purpose for your life and that everything happens for a reason can relieve the pressures of your current suffering. Go to your church, synagogue, or mosque to fulfill your spiritual needs. Spend time finding your inner happiness, recognize the peace of a higher power, or just embrace time with your own thoughts. If we let ourselves find beauty in the breakdown, there’s bound to be peace on earth.