The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition November 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 36 theconnectionsnj.com • Betty & Arthur Roswell Family Counseling Center • Senior Services • Volunteer Programs: Family Mentor-Good Deeds Corps-Senior Shopper • Expanding Horizons Special Needs • Holocaust Survivors Assistance • Career Services • Ohr Tikvah Community Outreach Program • Evan Jaffe Memorial Fund for Emergency Assistance and Hebrew Free Loan Programs • Stress Reduction Group offered remotely Celebrating 40 years of Providing Support to the Community For more information, contact: Jewish Family Service 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 • 908-725-7799 Admin@JewishFamilySvc.Org • www.JewishFamilySvc.Org We’re Open and Continuing to Work Remotely to Offer You the Following Services WELCOME BACK TO THE Y! INDOOR FITNESS, SWIMMING, EARLYEDUCATION, SCHOOL AGE CHILDCARE&MORE At the Y, we’re here to help you get back to what matters most: your health, your family and friends, and your community. Learn more today at gscymca.org/whattoexpect TOGETHER, WE’RE A BETTER US. BRIDGEWATERYMCA | SOMERVILLEYMCA Branches of Greater Somerset County YMCA The holiday season evokes a frothy mixture of feelings and emotions. With the cooler air, early darkness, and falling leaves, some have memories and expectations for fun, food, celebra- tion, and times with family/friends. And the stress, oh-the-stress. Not surprising, the holidays ar- en’t for everyone. Many people don’t connect with the traditional holiday merriment and festivity; instead, they nd the holidays (and the people in their lives) isolating, challenging and painful. Others have experienced a significant loss and are grieving the loss during the holiday season without their loved one. They’re just “not feeling it” and want to hibernate – away from celebrat- ing. In the Covid19 era, our losses are magnified - we remember how things were, yearning for ‘the way things were.” A New Opportunity? Perhaps we can transport our- selves back to an earlier time when life was less complicated. We didn’t need to be plugged in to constant communication. Children could go outdoors, breathe fresh air and be with friends. Neighbors became fam- ily and tried not to leave anyone out. Blend the old with the new. In- corporate the lessons from the past - give meaning to holiday time for an authentic and emotionally-rewarding experience. Ideas for Holiday Enjoyment and Taking Control If you’re celebrating this holiday season, how can you nd meaning when many things feel beyond our con- trol? Remember: the virus cannot steal your spirit or intention! Plan in advance how you want to spend your time and with whom. If you feel pain or other emotions. Allow yourself the time and space to feel your feelings. Don’t let anyone tell you how you “should feel”. Be patient with yourself as you go through this challenging time. Consider getting some support for yourself during this time. JFS’ weekly “Rest and Relax group” nur- tures friendship, safety and com- fort. The JFS Counselling Program has a dedicated group of therapists - available to support you during this difficult time. Create new, memorable tradi- tions. Think about having / going to small- er gatherings with your mask on; or sim- ply gather around a camp re with cider and cinnamon sticks. Tickle your creativity bone. Use your creativity to make mean- ingful decorations, and even gifts. Plan an event or gathering that will be a stable, stress-free time with a few friends, special relatives or just for yourself. Imagine getting into your most cozy socks and PJs, snuggling up to a good book, fun tunes and favorite holiday-scented candles? Send family/friends meaningful books - that you can talk about. Suggestions: - Mitch Albom- Have a Little Faith: a True Story of the Faith Club; a Mus- lim, A Christian, A Jew - three women search for understanding. - The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams - The Story of Hanukkah, David Adler - The Polar Express, Chris Van All- sburg - The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Patricia Polacco Plan a Zoom event or a holiday cooking day, poetry reading, or craft gathering. Make candles, seasonal wreaths or bird feeders. Don’t stop there - offer donations on behalf of a charity or group or have a backyard sol- stice, listen to festive music that is joy- ful, uplifting and comforting. Play mu- sic with a few friends. Invite people to put together care packages for others. Have a pet food drive and donate the proceeds to your local humane society. Let’s nd and appreciate simple joys. Perhaps this is truly the ‘light’ many of us are yearning for. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of individuals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and of- fers a continuum of programs and ser- vices. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as geriatric assess- ments, supportive counseling and case management services for home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Program recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in-home visits; Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Program. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual coun- seling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learn- ing more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at (908)725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. C N CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN THE SOCIAL DISTANCING ERA Create new, memorable traditions. Think about having / going to smaller gatherings with your mask on; or simply gather around a camp re with cider and cinnamon sticks. If you’re celebrating this holiday season, how can you nd meaning when many things feel beyond our control? Remember: the virus cannot steal your spirit or intention! By Debra Rimmer, LCSW