It’s the holiday season and most of us are used to planning on getting together with friends and/or family. But if you’re following the recommendations of face masks and social distancing, then you might be looking at a scaled-down holiday season and lots of holiday stress.. The party-lovers might be missing the crowds, the family-dinner-lovers might be wondering what to do (or what to cook!), and the people looking forward to the religious gatherings might be in real distress. All this negative emotion is challenging, unhealthy, and contagious. Take some time for yourself before it becomes overwhelming.
But take some time to think of the animals also. They can all read our emotions, and right now those emotions are not helping. If you’re living with a pet, take the time to talk to him. Tell her what’s going on, why you’re not yourself, and what you’re doing to feel better. Explain that you’re still here for him, still taking care of her, still loving him. Your animals won’t understand the words, but they’ll understand the feelings behind the words. Acknowledging the holiday stress you’re feeling and deciding to do your best to get past it will help you pets more than a new toy.