The Easter long weekend often provides us with a wonderful opportunity to take some time out and to spend some quality time with our family and friends. We’re often thinking about what we’re going to cook, which family we’re going to spend the day with, how many Easter eggs we’re going to buy our loved ones (or indulge in ourselves), as well as where we’re going for our annual getaway.
Although we need to continue to be mindful that COVID hasn’t gone away, there have been many plans for getaways and extended family gatherings during this special time.
So how can we celebrate special days in a meaningful way?
1. Practice gratitude
Did you know that practicing gratitude plays an important role in improving our health and wellbeing?
Individuals who can look for the good in a situation and can focus on the aspects that are going well in their life, can reduce their stress, anxiety and depression, and can overall improve their quality of life and level of life satisfaction (Seligman, Steen, Park & Peterson, 2005).
People who choose to be grateful, experience fewer health problems, experience better sleep and all this in turn, builds resilience.
When life is good, we may forget to be thankful, but it also doesn’t mean when life is not so good, that we deny our experience. Instead, we acknowledge what we’re going through and reflect on what we can learn from the experience and what we could do better next time.
This is particularly pertinent when we reflect on the pandemic, the many lockdowns and how far we’ve come. We’re able to identify the important lessons we’ve learned along the way, and in particular, what we treasure most – our family.
So focus on what you’re grateful for over this long Easter weekend – write down three positive things and if you’re feeling stressed at the moment, write down a few more…
For many, this Easter is going to be another happy time of celebration. We will be able to attend church services and celebrate Easter Sunday with our loved ones, including visiting grandparents who may be in a nursing home…
For others, it will include heading out for the annual fishing trip or weekend away; or enjoying the additional days off by going to the movies or visiting a favourite café, restaurant or bar, and/or just being able to catch up with friends because we can, and because we want to.
But what if life feels challenging at the moment?
This too provides an opportunity to develop a new perspective, to be grateful by reflecting on what is going well right now. This too, can help us cope during a difficult time. It can also help to energise, heal and provide us with hope that life will once again get better (Emmons, 2013)…
Changing your expectations of what Easter ‘should’ look like for you and your family can also help. This is particularly important if you’re caught up in flight cancellations and/or are not able to travel interstate or even overseas to visit your loved ones. Nevertheless, you too can create new and memorable traditions with the special people in your life. Celebrate as best you can under the circumstances. Some ideas include:
- using this experience as an opportunity to go out with your family and try a new restaurant or to cook something completely new! It doesn’t have to be something fancy, but you could learn how to make some hot cross buns or a berry pavlova, or even a beef curry; this can help create a new positive experience and memory with your loved ones
- share the story of Easter with your children, so the meaning of Easter remains true to its form – it’s not about the Easter eggs! 😊
- if you do have young children, and they are excited, then plan the Easter egg hunt
- phone your loved ones, put them on speaker phone, and/or link up with them virtually online, and have a dance or karaoke party
- do some craft with your family, such as painting some eggs or creating some Easter bunny paper plates
- play some football or play a board game together
What new memories and traditions will you create with your loved ones this year?
2. Practice mindfulness
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings over the long weekend. Give your full attention to the present moment and do so, without judgement.
When we’re practicing mindfulness, we’re not thinking about the past or worrying about the future; we are paying attention only to the present moment. By doing so, there are many health benefits.
Over this Easter weekend, try and fully immerse yourself in what you’re doing. If you’re chatting with a loved one over the phone – be mindful and give them your full attention; listen intently, without cleaning the house/cooking dinner or checking your Facebook status!
If you’re eating a chocolate Easter egg – take a moment and savour the taste and the texture. Enjoy every mouthful without scoffing it down and without wondering what you’re going to eat next.
If you’re playing footy or cricket, or basketball with your children – focus on that particular moment. What can you hear? Your children’s laughter? What can you feel? Your increasing heart rate because you’re trying to run or catch the ball? Focus on the moment and it will be a much more enjoyable experience for you and your children.
Like developing any skill, practicing mindfulness takes some practice. Be patient with yourself and if you can, try and practice a little mindfulness every day. You’ll be surprised how much more you’ll be able to enjoy life and those little pleasures that are part of our lives every day.
3. Focus on the meaning of Easter
On a final note, focus on the meaning of Easter. Easter is not about Easter eggs and hot cross buns, and how much we can eat and drink in one day. Easter signals the end of Lent and is a symbol of Great Love; it provides us with an opportunity to reflect, and to give thanks for the blessings in our life.
So this Easter weekend, treasure the time you have with your family by spending some quality time with them. Enjoy the festivities that are important to you, and cherish the moments and memories you’re creating with your loved ones.
Even during COVID times, Easter this year, can once again be a meaningful one…
Happy Easter to You All!
We would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter filled with peace and happiness.
On this Easter weekend, stay safe and healthy, and enjoy celebrating this special time with your family.
