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Health & Fitness

Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

Warm gatherings with family and friends, delicious meals, twinkling lights and magical stories – these are just some of the images that come to mind when we think of the holidays.

 

But for many people, the holidays are a far cry from the Norman Rockwell images that picture idealized hopes and dreams.

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Be Sensitive to the Holiday Blues   

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For most people, some level of holiday stress is expected due to all the travelling, shopping and crowds. But many people face another challenge – coping with loss.

 

Instead of happiness and joy, they may feel sad and lonely, especially if they’ve just recently lost a loved one or experienced a divorce. They may lack energy or enthusiasm to go shopping, attend a holiday gathering, or to decorate their home.

 

Symptoms of holiday blues may include:

  • Tearfulness
  • Disinterest in hobbies and activities
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness

 

Older generations who were brought up with a “pull yourself up by your boot straps” mentality when feeling bad about their lot in life may not be comfortable expressing feelings of sadness or depression.

 

Regardless of whether the blues are expressed or observed, show people that you care and they matter. Simple ways to help make the holidays bright include:

  • Engaging in positive, uplifting conversations over the phone and in person. 
  • Giving gifts and sending holiday greeting cards.
  • Sharing a meal or a plate of baked goods.
  •  Inviting someone to a meal, movie or shopping.   
  • Helping someone to decorate their home.
  • Offering a ride to a holiday event, concert or religious service. 

 

 

Take it Easy

 

People have a tendency to burn the candle at both ends during the holidays, so it helps to factor in time to just relax. Be realistic about what activities you can feasibly commit to, rather than overbooking yourself.

 

For loved ones who may be facing age or health-related challenges or feeling down, talk with them in a casual manner about any limitations or concerns they might have and how you can help make their life easier and their holidays more enjoyable.

 

Common concerns often include:

  • Experiencing anxiety when away from home or when wanting to get back home.  
  • Feeling overwhelmed in crowds and when there is a lot of activity.
  • Needing to use the bathroom frequently and not wanted to be far from a restroom. Finding it difficult to stand in lines or walk long distances.
  • Struggling to participate in conversations when there is a lot of noise and commotion.  
  • Feeling badly about not contributing to the level you’d like to at holiday gatherings.  

 

Be Careful & Be Safe

 

Stop and consider activities that may present unnecessary stress or compromise one’s safety and well-being. Consider ways in which you can lend a hand or be sensitive to the needs of others. A few tips include:

  • Keeping an eye out for people who may struggle in inclement weather. 
  • Being mindful of people who may not be able to heat their homes or put food on their tables.  
  • Being aware of possible con artists, pick pockets, and thieves.
  • Getting a ride if you overindulge in the holiday spirits.

 

May this holiday season be joy-filled, full of wonderful surprises and may your ordinary become extraordinary! We give thanks for all the wonderful people for whom we have had the pleasure or privilege of serving in 2013.  

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