Health Tips – Let It Go
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Bring on the Christmas cheer!
The holidays are so much fun and full of joy. From gifting presents and decorating the house to spending time with family and friends, this is the time everyone waits for all year, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. Anxiety and depression run higher more around this time than expected. Some are not as fortunate as others; the loss of family members hit harder. There are many reasons for this. So, I want to offer a few mental health tips that might allow you to see things a little differently this year. Help someone who is struggling, kick the holiday blues, and boost the mood!
Be thankful for what you have.
This is a pretty cliché statement, but have you really thought about the depth of its meaning? It is a blessing in itself to simply wake up and see another day. Most of us have a car, a home, a warm bed, food on the table, not worried about how the kids will get fed. Others may not be so fortunate. There is always someone worse off than you.
Perform a random act of kindness
Buy a struggling family Christmas or help pay their bills. This is truly the most rewarding gift of all—such a fulfilling moment. Giving is getting.
Mend a broken relationship
Life is short; spend your days with those you love. Any day could be your last.
Now, on a lighter note:
Play that Christmas music!
This is something most people do not care for. Everyone overplays these songs but try it. They are actually pretty good; embrace it for a day.
Decorate the house!
It is so peaceful sitting in the living room admiring the Christmas tree. Put on some golf and enjoy a nap because this is the perfect cozy setting.
Take the family to see Christmas lights!
There are so many neat places to travel to near and far to see Christmas light displays. Go help out a local business. They do this for us, and it takes a lot of effort. Show your support! The kids will love it, and so will you.
Make cookies for Santa!
Believing in Santa Claus boosts imagination for you and the kids. Even though we know he’s not real, it is fun to play along. Not to mention, you can get the kids to do just about anything when they think Santa is watching. Use this opportunity to take a load off and get your kids to do their chores!
25 days of Christmas movies!
If you have not seen Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, The Grinch, A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful Life, you are missing out! Invite people over to watch movies, decorate cookies, and play games.
Buy yourself something!
A little retail therapy never hurt anyone. Mom and Dads especially; splurge on yourself here and there!
Play in the snow!
Snowball fights, snow angels, and sledding; If you have not done any of these things, then you have not lived!
Keep busy!
It is easy to let this time get you down since the weather is gloomy. Fill up your schedule to keep busy. This will help push away sad/boring moods.
Find your stress relief.
Take time out for yourself. Breathe, eat the Oreo, take a bath, get a babysitter, whatever kicks the stress. It is okay to press pause.
If this time of the year brings you down, I encourage you to do something different and outside of your comfort zone. Don’t drag your feet into the holiday season, expecting to be lonely and miserable. Embrace it, change your perspective, help someone, have fun! I dare you.