Healthcare workers are used to the holiday juggling act; while so many others take vacation time during the holidays, healthcare workers fit holiday preparations and celebrations in between shifts. This year, the holidays take on a new meaning and, with it, new stressors as we navigate the obligations of work, patient care, family, traditions, and a pandemic.

Here, some NOVA nurses share how they cope with stress during the holidays, and how they keep their spirits high during the happiest time of the year.

Find What is Stressing You

Self-awareness is just one way to anticipate and combat stress before it gets out of control. What’s currently stressing you? What do you anticipate will cause stress as the holidays draw nearer? Set a plan in place to start tackling some of your holiday to-dos in advance. If the sheer number of to-dos is overwhelming, enlist others to help by asking them to bring a dish to a holiday dinner, help with wrapping gifts, or manage shopping lists. Be proactive and look ahead to what you can do to beat stress before it begins.

If work stress is mounting, have a conversation with your supervisor or boss to explore potential accommodations. If leadership isn’t able to intervene, call on your work family and fellow NOVA nurses to work together for relief.

If that relief includes time off, make the most of that time off by planning something in advance to do with loved ones and friends. “I make sure on off days to plan exciting things for my family and I to enjoy and remember,” said Chrystal Judge, LPN.

Time off during the holidays can be difficult to manage in some healthcare settings. Rather than stress about working around the holiday, make the holiday work around you. NOVA nurses reported that adjusting the time they celebrate the holidays with their families based on their work schedule helps relieve schedule-related stress.

Keeping It Fun

Even as we socially distance, NOVA nurses still find a way to enjoy time with their colleagues and make the holidays a bit more fun. Even something as simple as decorating a workspace can ignite a spark of happiness in uncertain and stressful times.

“I stay hopeful by putting all positive energy into my work and residents,” said Judge. “Decorating the units on down time also keep me in the holiday spirit.”

Some safely socially distanced workplace holiday celebration ideas:

• An anonymous gift exchange among coworkers
• Brunch-mas—a holiday-themed brunch for a small group
• A wreath- or ornament-making party to decorate your workplace
• A cookie swap
• Dress-up days, if permitted, to wear themed accessories or clothing; and give out awards for best dressed or most creative!

Focus on the Positives

Despite the stress of 2020, it’s important to recognize all of the wonderful things that are worth celebrating. Working during the holidays is a unique opportunity to make the holiday truly special for someone else.

“I celebrate holidays with my patients, especially ones who don’t have friends or family visit,” said Genevieve LeMay, RN. Knowing how much they appreciate having someone there to celebrate the holidays with them is enough to brighten anyone’s day.

LeMay’s sentiment is shared by other NOVA nurses who enjoy the special time with their patients. “It’s hard to leave my loved ones at home during the holidays, but I’m happy to share that day with my patients that don’t have family to spend that time,” said Norma Torres Maldonado, BSN, RN.

In addition to quality time spent making patients’ holidays special, NOVA nurses reported that they stay motivated through the holidays by thinking about the time they do get to spend with friends and family, singing, and even meditation during scheduled breaks.

Words of Wisdom

An overwhelming amount of NOVA nurses said that during the holiday season, you should take the time to celebrate each day, be kind and compassionate to yourself, celebrate your work with your colleagues, and make your patients feel important and cared for.