The Gift of Nourishment for Mind, Body, and Spirit this Holiday Season

By Technical Writer Uinita Mauigoa

When holiday stress strikes, try these small moves to create a big difference in your mood:

Express gratitude:

Offer thanks, whether it be at home, work, the grocery store, or a potluck to spark positivity.

Look in the mirror:

Focusing on the actions of the person staring back at you will make you too busy to worry about the actions (and follies) of others.

Find a quiet spot:

Stepping away from stimulation to soak in quietness can relieve tension in the body and mind.

Breathe fresh air:

A stroll outside to breathe in fresh air increases oxygen levels in the brain, which increases serotonin levels.

Share a hug:

Hugs with a trusted, safe person or animal can have a calming effect.

Laugh out loud:

Watch, read, or think of something funny and literally laugh out loud to release feel-good endorphins.

Get moving:

Take stairs, park farther away, run errands, shovel snow, do chores, and make it count.

Listen to music:

Studies like those by the National Institutes of Health find that music can decrease cortisol, which fuels stress, while increasing the happy hormone, dopamine.

Smile and wave:

These friendly gestures can brighten someone’s day and yours too!

Dust yourself off:

Accept that we all make mistakes, get back up, dust yourself off, and most importantly, keep going!

Unplug social media:

Social media can require time, energy, effort, and focus, which can be a lot. Restore your reserves by taking a break.

Help others:

Look around, and you will see many little opportunities. Offering a smile, holding a door open, or listening to a child are some examples.