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Information about the author of this post.
awilliam's picture Azetta Beatty, MS
Work-Life Manager
College or Department
Work-Life and Well-Being
Address
Scovell Hall
Phone Number
(859) 257-2648
Email Address
Azetta.Beatty@uky.edu

Hope is contagious. While the pandemic continues to impact us all, it also does not have to take up all the space in your life. We can embrace it as it is and find meaningful ways to celebrate.

What do you enjoy about this season? You don’t have to celebrate a holiday this season to enjoy the many extra benefits such as store or online sales. Everyone will approach this season from their own lens and with their own experiences. And you know what? That’s OK.

Here are a few reminders of ways to get the most out of this season and beyond:

  • Celebrate beyond the holiday. Make plans to connect with family and friends beyond this season. Make lunch or dinner plans you can look forward to after the season.
  • Consider random acts of kindness. Look for creative ways to give gifts, tangible and intangible, small or large. Consider writing a thank you note to someone who has helped you this year. Send some e-cards. Order takeout lunch for friends. Leave a snack at a co-worker’s desk. It’s the thought that counts.
  • Remember the power of gratitude. Practicing gratitude has a profound impact on our sense of well-being. I encourage you to look for gratitude moments. It can be as simple as a kind comment to a friend or stranger, lunch with family, good health, or a finished work project. Gratitude is all around us. We just have to look for it. To learn more ways you can practice gratitude, you can join our 31 Days of Gratitude Challenge, happening December 15, 2021, through January 14, 2022.
  • Reach out to those who are isolated or alone. Call, email, text, video chat and reach out on social media to friends you haven’t connected with in a while. Invite a friend who doesn't have family to celebrate with to join your family gathering.
  • Maintain your self-care. Do you like music, time with friends, reading a book, napping, cooking, running, walking, exercising or movie nights, to name a few? Whatever you do for your well-being, keep it up this season. Block time for you so you don’t neglect your self-care when you get busy.
  • Check in with yourself throughout the season. How are you doing? Really. Do you need extra support? Participate in activities that bring you joy and peace. Consider these year-round HR well-being resources: