Even though Christmas is almost here, many people still haven’t gotten into the holiday spirit. Obstacles to feeling balanced and festive abound: Perhaps it’s finding the right gift. Could it be those last minute guests you just found out about? Maybe you just feel plain old “bah humbug.”
Whatever the reason, it’s time to create balance and improve personal wellness by giving yourself the gift of Self-care! Having a wellness plan that addresses your mood and sense of wellbeing can have a profound impact. Here are a few holiday wellness tips to help you get into the spirit:
1) Connect with the joyful spirit of the season: Opportunities abound to do something nice, especially during the month of December. Whether it’s donating toys to children, playing secret Santa for a family with limited resources, or singing carols at a retirement home, do something to put a smile on someone else’s face. You might gain more than you give: Reported health benefits of volunteering range from improved mental health to delayed mortality.
2) Watch your favorite holiday movie or special: Whether it’s “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” take a little time to watch something seasonal. If the movie doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit it might still help reduce stress. Rest and mental downtime are great stress management tools. Taking time to rest and do something pleasurable is a great way to practice self-care.
3) Use your sense of smell: Fill your home with pleasant scents associated with happier holiday times. The smell of pine trees, fresh baked cookies, eggnog, or gingerbread can create a positive mood if it conjures positive memories. If you don’t feel like getting the real thing use a scented candle or an air freshener.
4) Play your favorite holiday music: Lots of people like to complain about holiday music blasting in the stores, but admit it-don’t you sometimes find yourself humming along when your favorite song starts to play? Even if you don’t have a favorite song, your favorite music artist might have a holiday album. Whether you love country, classical, jazz, rock, or R&B, there’s bound to be some holiday music that will lift your spirit. Still not convinced? Here’s a sample of popular holiday albums:
Mariah Carey Merry Christmas II You
Celine Dionne These Are Special Times
Patti Labelle Miss Patti’s Christmas
Luther Vandross This Is Christmas
The Glee cast Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album
Kenny G Kenny G -The Greatest Holiday Classics
Martina McBride White Christmas
Faith Hill Joy To The World
Josh Groban Noel
Elvis Presley Elvis Christmas
Nat King Cole Christmas Song
Susan Boyle The Gift
Jackie Evancho O Holy Night (CD/DVD)
Celtic Thunder Celtic Thunder Christmas
The Three Tenors The Three Tenors Christmas
Il Divo The Christmas Collection
Jackson 5 Christmas Ultimate Christmas Collection
It’s important to remember that paying attention to your mental and emotional wellness is just as important as paying attention to your shopping list, your finances, or your waistline this season. Unchecked holiday stress, anxiety, or depression can create health issues. It’s also important to remember that being healthy means functioning at your best in all areas of your life, not just your body.
If you find yourself continuously feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, or helpless seek medical attention. Talk to your doctor or a health care provider. If you don’t have one but feel concerned about your safety or the safety of a loved one, contact the nearest emergency department.
Be well!
Holistic Wellness Speaker Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP is a former board-certified pediatrician residing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She is Chief Wellness Officer and co-owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC. Dr. Hamilton specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic. Her company Manifest Excellence teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical wellbeing. For more information visit www.ManifestExcellence.com
© 2010 Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS
A wellness thought leader, she champions a comprehensive approach to health by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual & physical well-being with a simple and potent message. Her book Wellness Your Way offers a practical strategy to assist readers in creating a happier, healthier life. For more information or to book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com or www.DonnaHamiltonMD.com
- 10 Quick, Easy Holiday Self-Care Tips - December 15, 2017
- Health Benefits of Kindness and Compassion - June 3, 2017
- Why Self-Care is Good for Your Health - May 10, 2017
