Page 19 - December 2023 Gears and Ears

Here’s to Your Health

By Anne Peach

December 2023

Create relaxing surroundings.

Take time for yourself to find your center. Consider
successful ways to relax whether that’s turning on
some music, reading, gratitude journaling, watching
favorite movies, light some candles going outside of
taking a walk. Research has found that listening to
music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of
well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness
booster.
Mindfulness is another successful strategy for some.
Mindfulness practices can be particularly helpful if
you are traveling or dealing with an unusual
schedule. If you’re new to mindfulness, there are
many online resources and apps to help you. One
app I have found useful is Calm.

Maintain healthy habits.

The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. Changing your diet, exercise routine and
sleep habits will take a toll on your body. Focus on self-care. Plan your eating and exercise
and getting adequate rest is important. It is important to focus when there are many holiday
events to attend. How will you balance you’re eating, exercise and sleep? What are your
triggers and how do you avoid them? Consider bringing healthy snacks to parties.

Share feelings.
During the holiday season, many people may have a more difficult time missing a loved one
they have lost or simply experience increased grief or loss. This can be especially true for
people having their first holiday season without a loved one. Spending a holiday after a loss
in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and share them with others. You might also
consider “changing up the routine” around the holidays. Honor loved ones lost over the
holidays is a successful strategy for some people.

Respect differences.

Getting together with some family members can be stressful. Set appropriate limits. Family
members will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this
holiday season. Focus on your similarities and replace tension with something productive. I find
it helpful to limit negativity and focus on the positive including past history.

In summary, the holidays can be a wonderful time of year however can, at the same time, be
quite stressful. Remember, you are one person and have limitations. Be realistic as you are
making plans. Don’t strive for perfection but instead relax and enjoy being with other. What
brings you joy and “fills your cup” and on the other hand what causes you stress? There are
many ways to connect with family and friends such as phone calls, texting, e-mail and social
media. This is a wonderful way to reach out, stay connected and show gratitude.

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