Living in a "VUCA" world: Holidays 2022

Author: Caroline Gérin-Lajoie, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatrist

“VUCA” is an acronym that some use to describe the state of the world today: volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Indeed, the last few years have been challenging with the COVID-10 pandemic and health care crisis, world conflicts, environmental disasters, and economic challenges. And there is no doubt that these events have had an impact on the many individuals working at The Ottawa Hospital.

As we are approaching the holiday season, spanning through December and January, it is important to acknowledge that the TOH community may be experiencing very different realities. We already know that in healthcare settings, the holiday season is a time where there can be even more pressure, higher workload and increased volumes of patients to care for. And with the added economic stresses, the next few months may not necessarily feel like “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Holiday Stress

While individuals at TOH may experience the holiday period differently, here are a few concepts that may apply to everyone:

Acknowledging different realities: not assuming that everyone “celebrates Christmas” (there are at least 14 events celebrated in December and January), and not everyone will be able to take time off.

Great expectations: stress may originate from the great expectations we set on ourselves to organize the ‘perfect holiday’ or the perfect day off, and this pressure can be amplified by social media, family expectations, or trying to keep up with what peers are doing.

Families: it can be great to see family, but there can be political or cultural clashes, loss of privacy, and memories that resurface from the past. Remember also that some individuals will be alone.

Multi-tasking, being over-scheduled, not having a lot of time off: there is a lot to do, and not everyone has enough time.

Impact of reduced daylight can negatively affect our moods.

Holiday music: can become annoying and unpleasant after a while.

Remaining healthy: can be more challenging with changes in our routine, eating rich food and drinking alcohol.

Preserving the most meaningful parts of the holiday season

This year, some people have decided to do things differently: to go small and simple or try new ways of spending the holidays or time off. In doing so, remember to prioritize and incorporate your favorite and most meaningful elements if you can.

Others are choosing to focus on themes of gratitude, kindness, and compassion. It can feel good to help others, and there are many ways to contribute meaningfully to individuals in need. This can also help to bring people together and help them feel more connected.

You may also reflect and imagine what a safe, eco-friendly, inclusive, kind and healthy holiday season may look like in your household. Involve your loved ones, be creative and think outside the box!

A different 2022 Holiday Season

In these VUCA times, you can only do your best to control what you can. Stay safe, try to get some rest if possible, practice self-care & self-compassion, and reach out for help if needed

It takes a village to take care of patients and families at TOH, thank you for everything you do, and everyone has an important role to play.