Happiness During the Holidays

As all West Australians are urged to stay indoors because of the COVID-19 crisis, Holy Cross families may be wondering how best to prepare for the coming weeks at home over the Easter holidays, both practically and emotionally.

There is an abundance of constantly changing alerts and media coverage and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, worried and afraid.  Sitting with extended uncertainty increases our levels of anxiety and discomfort.  In light of this, I’ve put together some simple suggestions for family activities which offer positive and creative ways to express these anxious feelings during the school holiday period. 

Although many of the usual school holiday programs and events have been cancelled, there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun, find joy and connect with your family these holidays:

Some important considerations for general wellbeing in order to cope with the daunting prospect of indefinite social distancing, self-isolation or even quarantine due include: 

References, websites, apps and further links:

• Access WA Department of Health www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus and World Health Organisation World Health Organisation websites for updates.
• Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak and Black Dog Institute provide immediate support around mental health: https://blackdoginstitute.org.au 
• Unicef explains how to discuss COVID-19 with your kids: https://www.unicef.org.au/our-work/unicef-in-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/parents-carers-and-teachers
• Department of Education has links and resources to support children: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/learning-at-home/support-for-children-and-young-people
• Emerging Minds has great information around wellbeing, including the power of play: https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/
• Download some free mindfulness Apps such as Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer for meditations.

Have a lovely Easter everyone. Jo Betti – College Social Worker