By Mary Christa Smith
This time of year is so beautiful, and so very challenging. For those of us who are seeking to stay healthy, connected and well, the busy pulse of the season can often lead to stress, loneliness and overwhelm.
As a mother, I seek to provide my children with the magical experiences of the season, while staying grounded and connected. Life’s lessons have taught me that less is more and what we most desire during the holidays is to feel loved.
Here are a few tried and true holiday wellbeing practices you can use to increase connection in your family during the holiday season:
- As a family, make a list of 12 fun activities you can do together that are FREE. Examples include making hot cocoa, sending holiday cards, sledding, building a snowman (or woman), singing holiday songs, viewing holiday lights, watching your favorite holiday show.
- Be intentional about your holiday plans and limit obligations that are draining.
- Make time for rest and quiet.
- Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods and get outside for some sunshine.
- Reach out to folks you know are having a Blue Christmas. Connection is prevention.
Here’s a question. Do you find the majority of holiday celebrations in our community center around alcohol? What can we do as adults to model healthy celebration and connection that doesn’t involve substances? I’d love to hear your ideas!
This post originally appeared on mentalwellnessalliance.org.