​Holiday Season + COVID-19 Pandemic = Anxiety!

Taproot Therapy is here to help.

Guest Writer: Rachel Goldberg, LMSW
​​
The holiday season looks different this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us with
overwhelming emotions and uncertainty. We are navigating unprecedented decisions around
health risk, travel restrictions, and just sheer ambivalence. Thoughts like, “is it worth the risk?”,
“what is my comfort level?”, “will I be alone for the holidays this year?” are normal.
Understanding your comfort level and finding the courage to communicate your boundaries to
others can feel difficult, but liberating. This holiday season everyone is dealing with unique
anxieties. Remember, you are not alone in this and your feelings are valid. Here are some tips
for managing anxiety leading up to the holidays:

1. Self-care: Treat yourself to something you enjoy. For example: a stroll in a park, a
delicious meal, or a soothing bath.

2. Label your emotions: When an uncomfortable feeling arises, try to notice and label it.
For example: I feel angry, isolated, nervous, etc. Putting emotions into words may help
increase your understanding of them and lessen their negative effects.

3. Journal: Cut out time to journal your worries about the holiday season. Perhaps set a
timer for 10 minutes and journal about something that feels good to you.

4. Rest: Make sure you are getting enough sleep or leisure time. Creating a bedtime
routine can be helpful in catching those Zzz’s.

5. Connect: Reach out to a loved one or friend for support. Catching up on the phone or
through FaceTime with someone can feel comforting.


If you are interested in learning more on how to cope with any holiday anxieties you may be
experiencing, Taproot Therapy is pleased to offer a 4-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
skills group. We will use CBT techniques and tools to support you during this time. We will also
use the space to explore worries, redefine the meaning of gratitude this holiday season, and
find optimism for the future. This is a closed 4-week virtual group for individuals located in NY
or NJ. 

Fee: 
Early-bird fee (if paid before 11/20): $180
Regular fee (after 11/20): $205
Dates: December 1 - December 22 (4 weeks)
Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 7:45pm  

To register, please contact Rachel Goldberg at:
rachel@taproottherapynyc.com
(917) 267-8084