Even in the most idyllic of circumstances, holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. Feelings of anxiety, despair and loneliness can increase tenfold when faced with the challenges of a pandemic.

Many people now look at this season less joyfully than they used to. Many remember a lost loved one who was greatly missed during these occasions. They can be most affected by a broken family with divorced parents and siblings who compete with each other to achieve the same goals. Also, they worry about the future of their careers and personal prospects. They can magnify these feelings if they are isolated throughout the pandemic.

Five positive ways young adults can cope with the holidays.

1. Keep in touch with your friends. You can relieve some of your anxiety by having a few close friends around. Even though the usual places of gathering such as restaurants and bars are restricted, a small get-together in an open area can provide that feeling of community.

A small gathering with appropriate social distance can soothe any additional anxiety. Instead of having a face to face event, you can use phone, text, and zoom calls in order to keep in contact with people near or far.

2. Concentrate on thinking positive thoughts. Spend time with people who encourage and support you, in person or online. Get rid of those who tend to have a negative vibe. Focus on the positives and express gratitude for what you already have. Enjoy the positive memories from past vacations.

3. Virtually participate in your family’s celebrations. Pandemics have made it necessary to celebrate more events virtually. This includes birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Even holiday events are worth attending. You can participate without feeling the anxiety that comes with a big event. You can also maintain your family relationships and feel less alone.

4. Exercise regularly. Exercise at home or outdoors can burn some negative energy. You can exercise online with a group using apps ranging from bike riding to yoga. This will help you reduce feelings of loneliness. Your body and spirit will both improve, as you’ll see improvements in your overall appearance.

5. Connect with God. It is a great time to strengthen your relationship with God. Even though visiting a synagogue or church can be challenging during the pandemic, you can pray. No matter what personal crises you are experiencing, God is there to guide you. God will always be with you. Never forget that God is always with you.