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The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands - cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, traveling or hosting guests, to name just a few. The coronavirus pandemic may have you feeling stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may not include all the traditions or people you are accustomed to.

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

- Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
 
- Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out in-person, phone or virtual support (e.g. friend, neighbor, colleague, religious connection, social community, counselor/therapist, etc.). They can offer support and companionship.

- Contribute your time. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. 

- Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like they used to be. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate.

- Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. Be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

- Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness through gifts. Some alternatives include: start a family gift exchange, give homemade gifts or donate to a charity in someone's name.

- Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.

- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. 

- Maintain healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Continue to eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, include physical activity in your daily routine, avoid excessive us of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.

- Seek professional help, if needed. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless and unable to face routine chores. Talk to your doctor, mental health professional or text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live trained Crisis Counselor will offer support from a secure online platform and help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

With a little planning and some positive thinking, the Santa Clara Police Department is hopeful you can find peace and joy during the upcoming holidays.