HERE WE ARE! The winter months came creeping in with the cold and longer periods of darkness. Good news is, we are on the other side now (Dec. 22) so the days are getting longer! Other good news??? Multiple holidays! We get days off of work (usually) and extra time to spend with friends and family (we will stay with a positive twist on this for now). The season of giving! The festival of lights! "Let us love winter, for it is the Spring of genius." The promise of new beginnings in 2025. For those of us who live where it snows, we begin a short season of skiing, sledding, snow shoeing, ice skating and ice fishing!
Our home seems to get lazy for those 2 weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's day. As we are an interfaith family, Hannukah sometimes crosses paths with Christmas day, like this year and the party is just extended! Our schedules are a bit more spacious, we sleep a little more, watch more movies, do more puzzles, and play more family games. New Year's Day brings the relatively new tradition of journaling all we are grateful for. We have become masters of manifestation and planning for 2025. It truly can be the most wonderful time of the year!
THE OTHER REALITY
I'll keep it short since no one wants a harsh dose of reality. 55% of Americans report some level of loneliness during the holidays. Holiday spending for 2024 is expected to reach $980 billion, up from last year by 2.5%-3.5%. While that may seem great for the economy, many still feel a sense of sadness and guilt because they cannot afford to spend much, if any, on gifts for their family. Adding to the holiday issues, for some it is a harsh reminder of loved ones they have lost or may be estranged from. The last winter tragedy up for discussion here is that 5% of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. This often increases the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Add to that a myriad of other mental health disorders. Big sigh.
What can we do to help ourselves or others during this time? Lots. But you can't help others unless you start with yourself and get your house (not literal) in order. Check your own mental health. Check your own spiritual health. Keep your bank accounts at least in your peripheral. And the sake of all that is holy, keep your physical health a priority. Pay attention to your gut health especially because you may be indulging in things you don't the rest of the year.
I've done the research for you. :-) A healthy gut leads to improved mental health, as a large amount of serotonin is generated in the gut. Stress and negative emotions can upset the gut biome. What else can disturb it? Poor sleep quality, alcohol, and sugar.
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS!!!
It's not surprising that many individuals see the new year as an opportunity to start or renew an exercise routine. That's wonderful! Keep beginning anew each day until it becomes a habit. It might require several attempts! I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of newcomers who have reached out to me for personal training this month. These individuals have gotten ahead of the January rush and gained the significant advantage of staying physically active during this season!
WHAT TO DO??
I'm glad you brought this up. Don't interrupt your exercise routine! Alternatively, start a new exercise routine right away. Truthfully, this is the ideal time of year for it. Not just for the reasons mentioned earlier, but also because you likely have a bit more free time available. If you are starting a new routine, I'm going to suggest walking. You'll be amazed at how good you feel (treadmiil, mall, or around the block) and how easy it is to add to your daily schedule. Grab the fam and go sledding. What starts out a little chilly, ends a lot sweaty. If you need to exit your ongoing party in your home to hit the gym, I am giving you full permission to ditch the guilt! You are engaging in an activity that will most definitely benefit everbody! That said, we cannot wrap up this edition without adding in a section on how to combat the winter blues.
SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder is the real deal. It took me a significant amount of my adult years to figure out why the gray cold months of Michigan are so long and painful. Number one reason? Lack of sunshine.
Sunlight increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can contribute to feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Reducing stress: Sunlight helps regulate stress hormones, like cortisol, which can make it easier to relax
Increasing vitamin D: The sun is the best natural source of vitamin D, which promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth.
Lowering blood pressure: Sunlight exposure can trigger the skin to release nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and can lower blood pressure
It's no secret that sunnier places = happier people. If you find yourself feeling that something is off or if you're pretty sure that you suffer from SAD, buy yourself a lamp/light. Called a 'Happy Light' on Amazon for a reason, don't overthink it, just order it.
However you are celebrating this holiday season (or not), I'm hoping that you make some enjoyable memories with those whom you love. I'm hoping that you find endless belly laughs, kitchen dancing, and lots of mistletoe. I'm hoping that you are able to find time to rest and regroup and appreciate everything and everybody in your life.
love, hugs, and lifting--
Karen
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