I am cutting straight to the chase here: holidays are fun for some and stressful for others. WhileI may not get to the bottom of your particular holiday stressor in this article, I will challenge youto three tasks that will make the grinches less grinchier and the already holiday-happy faceseven cheerier.
Challenge #1: Handwrite a Thank You Card
You don’t have to write everyone a card. The notes do not require fancy stationery, and theydon’t need to be related to gifts you receive. I promise you, and research backs me up, thathandwriting a thank you note, especially one that references a specific conversation, gift,support, or kindness, will lift you and the receiver. My challenge is to write just one card, but Iknow you have more in you.
Bonus: If you have a child, write a card with your child. Even young kids can doodle or sign their names to the card you transcribe for them.
Challenge #2: Eat Half
Half of what? Just eat half of anything that is so delicious you want to devour it. Whether at a cocktail party or a movie night with yourself, notice what is lighting up your brain. Sweets and desserts are a weakness for many, but creamy and fried foods do not lag far behind. Don’t deprive yourself of what you want to eat, but limit yourself. Instead of having the entire piece of cake, have half. If you were going to have cake and a cookie, have half of each. If you were going to have a large portion of the mashed potatoes, scoop out half as much.
Bonus: Fill that belly with salad or vegetables (ideally, not fried or soaked in oil!) before having the sweeter or heavier foods. Your blood sugar will thank you.
Challenge #3: Get Outside
Spending time in nature is healing. And if you are surrounded by family or friends, sometimes you need a break. A walk or hike helps you clear your head and breathe fresh air, along with all the healthy outdoor microflora nature harbors.
Bonus: If you are not in need of alone time, take a friend or family member on the walk. Time with others builds social connections that leave hearts warmer.
Takeaways
No need to take up too much bandwidth! Just start with one thank you card, eat half of that food that is calling you, and get outside.
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References:
Kumar, Amit, and Nicholas Epley. “Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing
Appreciation.” Psychological science vol. 29,9 (2018): 1423-1435. doi:10.1177/0956797618772506
Jimenez, Marcia P et al. “Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence.”
International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,9 4790. 30 Apr. 2021,
doi:10.3390/ijerph18094790
