HEALTHY IS WELLNESS

WELLNESS

HEALTHY IS WELLNESS Attitude of Gratitude

Happy Healthy Holidays to you! Yes, you read that right. Having a happy AND healthy holiday may sound like a fairytale, but its possible!! Many of us look forward to the holidays and many of us do not. No matter which side you are on, there is always room for more joy and better health. If you are anything like me, self-care gets thrown out the window, pretty much any window, several times over the holidays. The usual suspects range from shopping for that perfect gift until I’m exhausted and hate everything… to allowing myself to partake in crazy-making conversations with relatives regarding opposing views and values. Neither make me feel very “Merry and Bright!” It is so easy to overextend and then neglect ourselves by not staying calm, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food or partaking in physical activity.

Sarah Hoffman Health Is Wellness and Inner Road Work Here are some common holiday themes and tips to make the season more festive:

GIFTS: To help shopping go smoothly, try making it an afternoon trip rather than a full day. Invite a friend to make it more enjoyable. Have a nutritious meal before heading out. Or choose not to do gifts this year. Crazy talk? I think not! Most adults have everything they could possibly want or need. And if not, the chances of you finding the exact item is slim. My sister is the exception. She always gets me the perfect gift. It's one of her superpowers! (So, ignore this information Beth & buy me that gift!) If that sounds too extreme, maybe buying less is an option. Instead, spend some time together making gifts for each other.

But the true gift is remembering Christmas doesn’t come from a store!

GIVING BACK: By giving back to others, we gain a feeling of purpose and meaning. In our own family, community or world-wide, there are no shortages of ways to help others out this holiday season. Support your children by watching the grandkids while they run holiday errands, get groceries for a neighbor, or call a friend who has been feeling low. Consider checking out the local food banks or a charity of your choice. Also, try to not over commit. Give back to yourself

by scheduling some “Me Time” to meditate, drink a hot cup of tea or read a book. Buying yourself a gift and wrapping it to open when you need a little splash of cheer works wonders too!

GATHERINGS: Setting boundaries for holiday gatherings is essential for good mental health. When joined at the table by those you love, but may not share the same values or views, dish yourself up a generous helping of boundaries!! If over the years, you’ve had conversations that lead to heartache and no real change, maybe this year can be healthier. Look for ways to focus on what you have in common rather that what separates you. It’s OK to say that you are not willing to discuss certain topics. If the boundary is not respected, you may want to excuse yourself and leave the room. If a relationship has proven to be too toxic in the past, consider if you want to skip that gathering all together and make plans to enjoy an evening at home or with like-minded people.

GOODIES: ‘Tis the season for sweet and savory treats galore! You may not be able to resist these once a year dishes and that’s OK!! Getting clear on this will help you make a plan on how to stay healthy and still have all your favorites. Beginning your day with a healthy breakfast of protein from whole foods like eggs or avocado is a great start. Time may be limited so doing a 10-minute work out when you can is perfect. Remember to stay hydrated. Going for an after dinner stroll with your family (dogs included) is a great way to connect and get some exercise.

If you are going to a party, bring a healthy dish, don’t show up hungry, have a healthy snack before you go. And when you do have that favorite treat, enjoy it! Take your time and taste every bite!

GRATITUDE: Instead of making a naughty or nice list, try writing a gratitude list. While listing what you want Santa to bring, maybe also make a list of all that you already have. If you have people on your gratitude list, tell them! If you have pets on your list, thank them!

The best gift to give and receive is the gift of love. According to the dictionary, “Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Wow. That sums it up nicely.

Thankfully, we chose Billings Clinic.

“My mom, Mary, is my biggest supporter and my biggest fan. The morning of her stroke, something felt di erent. God was telling me something was wrong. I checked on my mom and that’s when she told me she couldn’t move her legs. I rushed over and took her to the Emergency Room at Billings Clinic. When we arrived, the team told me that my mom was having a stroke. They immediately got her in for a thrombectomy to remove the clot. A nurse came out and called my name, and it was one of the scariest and best parts of my life. I immediately asked, ‘Is my mom okay?’ And she said ‘yes’ with a big smile. My mom always taught us to give thanks in all things. Now I appreciate how much of a miracle she is and how grateful we are for Billings Clinic.” - Megan, Mary’s daughter