By Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and we know that numerous changes will occur soon.
Holiday decorations are plentiful in the retail outlets, and holiday foods are being promoted in the supermarkets. That doesn’t mean it still won’t come with extra stress and temptations to eat some unhealthy food. I think it’s important to remember to find joy during the coming season and pay extra attention to our mental health. Here are a few pointers for you:
Light.
Leading up to the winter solstice (December 21, 2020) is the darkest time of the year, remembering that natural sunlight (or the lack of) can have a big impact on our mental health. Try to find a way to get outside during daylight time, or at least get /allow more of it coming through the windows. If you can’t get enough natural light, supplementing with the right kinds of artificial light help.
Connect.
Whether virtual or in-person, we need to connect with people. It might take a bit more creativity, but connecting with others, and laughing, and touching, all improve our mental well-being.
Exercise.
Regular exercise can boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals. It also helps us stay healthy, sleep better, and can even help you achieve a few of the other tips in this article, such as exercising outside to get more light or with friends to build connections, etc.
Mindset.
Sometimes we just need to reframe our mindset. Instead of focusing on the expectations, demands, or disappointments, remind yourself that every situation is what we make of it. We can adjust the expectations or demands we have for ourselves. We can find joy in different places. We can get creative and try new or different things that work better with whatever circumstances.
Self-care.
This time of year it’s more important than ever, and it can feel even harder to implement. What can you do to make sure you’re carving out time to fill your own cup?
Healthy eating.
It’s okay to indulge in treats, but just try to balance it out with the healthier stuff in between to keep your immune system up. It feels good to eat treats in the moment, but often they leave us feeling not as good long-term, so pack in some extra nutrients in between. And please remember to stay hydrated during the cooler months! Water is a necessary choice, because our bodies are made up of over 60% water.
Prioritize sleep.
We all function better with a good night’s rest, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy to get. Making it a priority helps us to avoid staying up too late, drinking too much or eating too late at night, and incorporating practices to help us de-stress and unwind such as journaling, mediation, drinking calming teas, practicing gratitude, and PRAYER can help to get the deep sleep that is so necessary during this upcoming holiday time.
Remember the holiday season will be here in no time, and now is a good time to begin forming a plan. And remember also that the Season celebrates the advent of the birth of the Christ Child. With plans made ahead of time, we can easily make some time to enjoy the Reason for the Season!
Here’s to your health!
To read more articles by Louise Richardson, click here. https://dunndealpublications.com/louise-richardsons-articles/
