Holiday Celebrations
As many people in the United States begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which holiday gatherings must comply. When planning to host a holiday celebration, you should assess current COVID-19 levels in your community to determine whether to postpone, cancel, or limit the number of attendees. CDC Holiday Celebrations
Helpful Tips & Resources to Deal with the Stress of Social Distancing During COVID-19
Military life can be stressful for Soldiers and their Families. Some stress may be due to moving every few years, adapting to new geographical locations, finding new medical providers and schools, and more. Social or physical distancing (limiting contact with others outside the home) can intensify already stressful experiences for Army Families.
Social Distancing May Stress:
Relationships: Many families are spending more time around each other in their homes. This may strain relationships.
Tip: Communicate. Be an active listener. Give each other your full attention. Turn off the television, put down the phone and let calls go to voicemail.
Who can help? The Family Advocacy Program at your local Army Community Service helps Soldiers and Families recognize and meet the unique challenges of military life
https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/family-advocacy
Work: Family members may have to work remotely from home.
Less face time with colleagues and diminished on-site collaboration is challenging. Managing work requirements and household responsibilities while teleworking can be stressful.
Essential employees who must report to work may worry about their safety and the potential risk to their families when returning home.
Tip: Take a break. In the office, there’s usually time for coffee breaks, lunch walks and chats with colleagues that give some breathing room from work. Just because you are working from home doesn't mean you aren't entitled to the same breaks. Hitting the pause button throughout the workday can be good for productivity.
Who can help?
- Chain of Command and your immediate supervisor.
- The Office of Personnel Management may also be able to help civil servants:
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pandemic-information/
-Ready and Resilient reinforces the Army Values, beliefs and attitudes, and educates members of the Army team about the importance of building connections with each other, taking care of one another, and being there to support fellow Soldiers:https://readyandresilient.army.mil/
Finances: Some families may be experiencing loss of income due to shelter in place orders, layoffs, or disrupted permanent change-of-station (PCS) moves. These unexpected disruptions may increase financial strain for Army Families.
Tip: Many banks, credit cards, and other financial institutions are offering assistance. They may forgo late fees or allow you to pay less. Contact your institution to talk about any relief programs you may be eligible for.
Who can help? Army Emergency Relief:
https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/ provides interest-free loans, grants, and scholarships for Soldiers, retirees, and families.
Physical Fitness: Many fitness facilities, on and off the installation have closed, leaving some Soldiers and Family Members concerned about how they can stay in shape.
Additional concerns may focus on meeting Army Combat Fitness Test standards and weight gain.
Tip: Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, get regular exercise while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Who can help? Army Wellness Centers support Soldier and Family readiness by empowering participants to set their own health goals and achieve them. https://phc.amedd.army.mil/healthyliving/al/Pages/ArmyWellnessCenters.aspx
Other Areas of Your Life: You may also experience other issues. Anxiety, tobacco products use, substance abuse, feelings of disconnect and loneliness can also occur. No matter what difficulties you may have, you have the resources available at your installation to help you.
Tip: The Army Community Resource Guide (CRG) lets you search your local community for resources to support the needs and challenges you are experiencing with social distancing. Start your search with the Army CRG at
https://crg.amedd.army.mil
Who can help?
-
Army Community Services support Army Soldiers and their Families around the world in times of crisis
-
Army OneSource provides information assistance and a network of services to support Soldiers and their Families
- The
Community Resource Guide provides lists of community services available at installations, health care options, and awareness activities
- MILITARY OneSource provides 24/7 confidential peer support to Service Members, Veterans, and military families. Phone 800-342-9647 or text 838255.
-
U.S. Army Public Health Center Managing Stress and Anxiety products
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coping with stress and anxiety
Additional Resources:
CDC Syndicated Content
