As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember what the season is really about.
Call me a cheese ball, but I want nothing for Christmas but to be around people I care about -- the people who make life worth living all year round (and maybe even make me a little crazy all year).
I think this is true for most people, but that many of us get so stressed and caught up in the consumerism of the holidays that it’s hard to remember.
If living in Asia -- away from everyone and everything familiar -- has taught me one thing, it’s gratefulness. In America, most people have so much to be grateful for.
Sure, there’s the 99 percent vs. the 1 percent mentality of the occupy movement, on top of a slew of other things to be angry and protest about. Right now however, is the season to focus on the positive and spread cheer.
It’s easy to get caught up in consumerism all year around, but especially around the holidays. Heck, you can barely go for a walk, turn on the radio or TV during December without being reminded of your obligation to buy something to prove your love for someone.
So often we get caught up in eyeing what others have, we become blind to how much we have. This holiday season, let’s try to focus on what really matters to us, and forget about the materialism and consumerism that has taken hold of our holiday.
Biologically, humans need love and compassion more than the latest gadget, which will probably grow obsolete in less than a decade anyway!
A few tips on how to get into the holiday spirit and keep the stress away:
Give:
‘Tis the season of giving. Studies show that giving and helping others has a handful of health benefits. Learn more from my October article, “Increase Health by Helping Others.” Giving doesn’t mean buying. You can give your time to volunteer at a soup kitchen, your ear to listen or your shoulder to cry on.
Sing:
Everyone knows Christmas songs! Making your own rendition with friends can be even more fun than just singing along. Singing strengthens the lungs, tones abdominal muscles, and releases endorphins to uplift you and make you feel happy!
Forgive:
So often holidays are complicated because the whole family can’t come together over some stupid incident. “To err is human, to forgive is divine,” is one of my favorite quotes. If it’s hard to forgive, keep in mind that every one blows it at one time or another.
Sometimes forgiveness takes time, but studies prove that people who are able to forgive are less inclined to depression, have better mental and physical health, lower blood pressure, and an overall better quality of life.
Letting go of anger and forgiving can help diminish pain, slow disease, improve cardiovascular function, and make the holidays a happier time for everyone!
Thank:
Not everyone has family or friends to spend the holidays with. Be thankful if you’re able to be spend time with people who care about you. And if not, be thankful for what you do have!
Happy Holidays!!
Sources:
Health Benefits of Singing. (n.d.). Barbershop.org. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from www.barbershop.org
http://www.barbershop.org/news-a-events-main/291-health-benefits-of-singing.html
Healy, M., Luskin, F., & Safer, J. (2008, January 2). Studies Suggest Forgiveness Has Health Benefits : NPR. NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. Retrieved December 05, 2011, from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17785209
Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 5, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131
Reviewed December 12, 2011
by Michele Blackberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith