Enjoying the good things in life!

Archive for November, 2024

The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Fast Food Choices: Think twice before you order.

Boy that hamburger sure looks tasty!! And the meal has potatoes too! And a glass of orange juice!

Basic Food Groups!!

But hold on folks! I’m sure it tastes very good, but what is the nutrient value? Unfortunately not so good.

Holiday time is a time of not enough time! We rush through the day and screech to a halt come supper time. What to fix? Is there anything in the freezer? But it has to be thawed and I’m hungry NOW.

This is where Fast Food Drive-thrus come into play. They are so enticing. Ready to serve and ready to eat!

But hold on! Are you remembering:

There are 232 unhealthy calories in a 1 fast food hamburger; single, regular patty; plain. The calorie breakdown is 36% fat, 42% carbs, and 9 grams protein. Sodium: 497 mg. (If you choose a double burger, just double all of the above.)

Leaf lettuce: Nutrient-wise, a cup of lettuce (any type) has up to: 56 micrograms of vitamin K (47% of DV). 40 micrograms of folate (10% of your daily value, or DV). 205 micrograms of Vitamin A (23% of DV). Unfortunately, one leaf is not a cup; it looks more like one leaf. So divide the benefits by many more needed?

Cheese? 1 serving of sliced yellow american cheese contains 80 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 5% carbs, 76% fat, and 10 grams protein. This has a relatively high calorie density, with 381 Calories per 100g. Cheese also contains 400 mg of sodium. (You are suppose to only get 1200 grams of sodium a day.)

White bread hamburger bun: Hamburger bun, white (1 medium – 3 1/2″ diameter) contains 21.6g total carbs, 20.8g net carbs, 1.7g fat, 4.2g protein, and 120 calories. Sodium: 206 mg.

Condiments? According to the Kraft Heinz Company, one packet of Heinz ketchup contains 10 calories. This small serving of ketchup also contains 2 grams of sugar. It has 95 milligrams of sodium, which is 4 percent of the daily value.

We are at 442 calories. (Daily calories: 1800 for women to 2500 for men.) But how much sodium? 1198 mg of salt. You just shot yourself in the foot!

Your daily intake of salt is to be 1200-2000 a DAY. We are not counting the salt on the fried potatoes. Many times they are over 150 grams for a small order of french fries.

Orange juice sort of saved the day: One cup of orange juice (8oz) provides 110 calories, 2g of protein, 27g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fat. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. But it did add calories.

Where am I going with this?

The recommended calorie intake per adult per day is 1,600 to 2,400 calories for women. For men, it is 2,200 to 3,200 calories. This hamburger consumed a great portion of your calories per day. (with orange juice: about 520 calories)

What was the nutrient value? A burger gives you 50% of your protein for the day, but in a fried piece of meat. The potatoes are most likely fried in a not-so-good oil.

We all know what fried foods does to our bodies. Fried foods contain high levels of saturated and trans fats. These fats increase blood cholesterol levels. They also damage the walls of your arteries. These damaged areas in your blood vessels eventually develop plaque, narrowing the artery and making it harder to pump blood.

Extra lean beef contains less than 5 g of fat. It has less than 2 g of saturated fat. It also contains less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g. Additionally, 100 g of 97% lean ground broiled beef contains 153 calories and 26.4 g of protein.

I don’t need to calculate the numbers. You can see that the usual hamburger meal we all depend on today is not doing us any good. We are not getting good nutrition from it.

The FDA made the Food Pyramid easy for us to follow. But the hardest part is the fruits and vegetables that are so important to our daily diet.

Think twice before you order.

We don’t need to order a plate or a bowl for lunch.

Preparing ahead is always better. No one will turn you out at a restaurant with your lunch bag when you order a drink from them.

Most restaurants have fruit juices available. At fast food places, this can be difficult, but remember some offer Milk.

Take the time to eat healthy. Your body will thank you. Your body will thank you even more in the future years.

Mealtime needs to be thought about; especially when you are dining with your children. Kiddos today are putting on weight. I don’t blame video games as much as a lack of direction for the importance of exercise and good foods.

Don’t make a habit of eating at Fast Food places. You can cook a burger at home, serve on a plate, and add to that. Vegetables are coming with some cheese sauces that would go well with a burger. Baked fries are still potatoes, but without the unhealthy fats of deep frying. (I’m aware that some of those “cheese” sauces in frozen veggies are not always good, but it is a start.)

Plan ahead for your Meals.

If you need some help with planning and budgeting, I’ll would be happy to help. It takes a few times of planning, and then I know you can do this on your own.

With today’s fast moving world, I know you can’t always prepare a healthy meal. In those cases, you should be thinking of supplements.

There are shake mixes available. This can turn a dull meal into something tasty. Use ice and it becomes more of a smoothie. Add fruits and vegetables, even if they are frozen. Consider dressing up the glass with real whipped cream and for kiddos, add some sprinkles. Even a peanut butter sandwich will taste good with a chocolate shake or a fruit shake.

A fast and easy recommendation.

I recommend Shaklee Corporation’s Life Shakes. I use them often. I add them as a coffee creamer. Chocolate Latte can really make a cup of coffee taste good, but also nutritious for people on the go!

Shakes offer multiple advantages. They add nutrient value. They also provide the milk and calcium values that children, especially, need. Adults still need calcium as we age. Our bones do become brittle with age. Keeping up with drinking milk every day will help to keep aging bones strong.

What is in a Shaklee Shake? The Life Shake™ contains:

  1. 20 g Ultra-pure, non-GMO protein with precise ratios of all 9 essential amino acids to support energy and satiety
  2. 24 Essential vitamins and minerals to support heart, brain, immune, and overall health
  3. 6 g Dietary fiber and a proprietary prebiotic from an ancient grains blend to support digestive health and regularity
  4. Our new, low-glycemic sweetener system, Reb M + 5 g natural sugar cane 

The new Life Shake is Powered by Leucine® to help build lean muscle, burn fat, and support metabolism.† I know we all want to have a more efficient metabolism.

(When you look for a shake mix, do some research as to the ingredients. Look for proven science behind the canister or bag. Look at guarantees. After doing the research, this is why I settled on this brand.)

Prepare the shake mix at home. Put it in a thermos and add water when you are ready to drink. This is a good start to lunch. If you are going out, order a salad or a bowl of fruit. Make this meal as important as your main meal.

Make lunch choices good healthy choices by planning ahead.

Hugs! Mary

REFERENCES:

https://wellness.maryjessen.com

https://medlineplus.gov/calcium.html

https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/5-reasons-pbj-is-best-sandwich-ever

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements

Category:

Coffee vs tea

Happy Thanksgiving!! to you and all your family and friends!

From Mary Jessen at https://wellness.maryjessen.com

Category:

Health and Wellness

Tagged with:

The Real History of Thanksgiving: Myths & Truths

What is the history of Thanksgiving?

Was it a grateful celebration? Or was it something entirely different?

Many holidays we celebrate have great history. Some holidays have a distorted history. I’m hoping to pass along the real stories of how America was settled and the how the First Thanksgiving was celebrated.

When did the Thanksgiving Holiday start?

The formation of Thanksgiving as an official, United States holiday, did not happen until November 1863, during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln officially established the holiday to improve relations between northern and southern states.

“It was propaganda,” it is explained. “The proclamation of the holiday was aimed to build an event of community. The goal was to create a deeper narrative about community building. It was about coming together in shared brotherhood and unity.”

The Thanksgiving of today is not an absolute factual event. There were many “thanksgiving” meals across found in North America, European cultures, and other cultures of the world.

In ancient times, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans paid tribute to their gods for a good harvest. Our Thanksgiving also bears a resemblance to a Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. It was simply a meal shared with friends and family after harvest. Sometimes there was a celebration of the harvest.

Who were the first settlers?

It was 1498. John Cabot worked for King Henry VII of England. Six years had passed since Columbus landed in the West Indies. Cabot was an Italian sailor who sailed into North American waters. He may have explored the Maine coast. However, there is no concrete evidence of it.

A century after Cabot’s voyage, several European ships briefly visited the area. Some of them put ashore to make repairs. Others processed fish catches.

The Plymouth Company established the first settlement at Popham, Maine, in 1607. This was the same year as the settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. The Popham colony didn’t survive the harsh Maine winters. Therefore, Jamestown, Virginia, enjoys the distinction of being regarded as America’s first permanent settlement.

Florida, Maine, Texas, and Virginia have each claimed sites of the First Thanksgiving in North America.

Europeans had been living and working in North America for many years prior to the Pilgrims.

It is said that the First Thanksgiving occurred on May 27, 1578, in Newfoundland Canada, and was held by Europeans. However, some believe the colonists of the Popham Colony in Maine may have conducted the first Thanksgiving service in 1607.

Fishing vessels with Basque, English, Portuguese, French, Dutch and Spanish crews were making seasonal expeditions. Basque vessels had been fishing cod shoals off Newfoundland’s coasts since the beginning of the 16th century. Their crews used the natural harbor at Placentia. French fishermen also began to use the area. The Pilgrims were not first on the land.

What is a “pilgrim?”

By definition, a Pilgrim is one who searches for religious freedom. By nature they are not explorers. The Pilgrims were primarily Puritan. Consequently, they were not exactly friends of the English church. Puritans held strong Calvinist Protestant beliefs. They aimed to completely eradicate traces of the Catholic Church and the English or Anglican Church. They were out to spread their beliefs to everyone, especially the heathens of North America.

The Mayflower set sail on 16th of September 1620, from Plymouth, UK, for a voyage to America. But its history and story start long before that. Its passengers were in search of a new life. Some sought religious freedom. Others were looking for a fresh start in a different land. Some dreamed of great wealth.

Many Pilgrims were seeking a place to freely practice their faith. Others were lured by the promise of land ownership and prosperity in the “New World.” Some were desperate to leave due to persecution.

Mayflower finally lands, but not where they wanted to go.

When the Mayflower landed after along trip of 66 days, November 9, 1620, only 53 of the 102 passengers survived. They did not land at Plymouth Rock. The English really intended to land south of the Hudson River, somewhere in New Jersey, a warmer harbor. However, a storm blew the ship off-course. It put them ashore off Cape Cod harbor, Maine, in a dark and very cold winter.

The Pilgrims first had to find shelters for their winter ordeal, and find water and food. It is recorded that some stayed in abandoned Native American’s lodges. Throughout the first winter, many Pilgrims suffered from weather exposure, scurvy, and outbreaks of a contagious disease.

Unfortunately, the Pilgrims had no knowledge of the local wildlife. Even if they did, they lacked the knowledge of how to capture it, nor the tools to hunt. They had left in haste, and did not pack well. Nor were they aware of what was needed.

(Half of the landing party died that winter. If the Pilgrims were not the very first settlers, why was there no knowledge of what to expect? Some say it was due to the hasty departure to avoid persecution in England.)

The Mayflower sailed back to England in the spring of 1621. Despite the hardships of the winter, none of the Pilgrims returned with the ship. The Mayflower resumed transporting cargo, never returning to Plymouth. By 1624, the Mayflower’s sailing life was over and the ship was described as being “in ruins.”

It was April of 1621 when Samoset, a Native Abenaki Indian, entered the village. Samoset, who spoke English, greeted them by saying “Welcome!”

(Samoset had learned English from interactions with an English fishing camp established in the harbor. Samoset was a lesser chief of the Abenaki people. He often sailed with Captain Dermer, a regular explorer of the region.)

Who was Squanto?

Several days later after Samoset welcomed the Pilgrims, Samoset returned with Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. (Squanto was living with the Wampanoag tribe as his entire tribe had been wiped out due to an epidemic.)

The story is true that the early settlers could not have survived without the aid of Squanto and the Wampanoag tribe. As said, they were ill-prepared to fend for themselves. The Wampanoag tribe taught the Pilgrims how to hunt for food in the winter.

(Did you ever wonder how Squanto could communicate with the Pilgrims? An Englishman kidnapped him in 1614. Along with two dozen others, and he was taken to Spain to be sold into slavery.

Squanto escaped captivity, possibly with the help of Catholic friars. He made it back to America, only to discover he was the only survivor of his village. An epidemic had swept across the New England area while he was gone.

Samoset could also speak English. Many years earlier, many Native Americans had been kidnapped and to be sold in England. Samoset was also one of those kidnapped.)

(Interesting that both men were able to escape England and return to America. I was unaware of kidnapping of Native Americans many years before the Pilgrims. Weren’t we taught that it was the Pilgrims as the very first settlers?)

Squanto helped the settlers, in the Spring, by teaching them how to plant corn and other vegetables. With the first harvest, the settlers decided to have a thanksgiving feast in celebration of a good harvest.

Squanto also showed the Pilgrims how to extract sap from Maple trees. He taught them how to catch fish in the rivers. Squanto, also, pointed out which poisonous plants to avoid. He helped forge an alliance between the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims.

Unfortunately the time Squanto works with the Pilgrims is short as he dies from a disease two years later.

(Years later, 1676, the English sold many Wampanoag men into slavery in Bermuda, the West Indies, or on plantations and farms run by colonists in New England. It was not unusual to kidnap Natives and sell them into slavery.)

Very tough times.

The Wampanoag people, the “People of the First Light,” played a crucial role. They saved the Pilgrims from starvation and death during the harsh winter of 1620–21.

The first Pilgrim homes were most likely abandoned Native American villages. Here many also caught the diseases that killed the original inhabitants.

Diseases such as smallpox, bubonic plague, and chickenpox were introduced by the European fishermen. Measles, diphtheria, influenza, malaria, scarlet fever, typhoid, tuberculosis, and pertussis were also introduced.

These were diseases to which Native people bore no natural immunity. Prior to the arrival of European colonist/ fisherman, Native people were plague free. These European diseases killed many many Native Americans.

It was a very tough living those early years. Children worked alongside their parents. Many suffered from the great burdens of creating a village. It was not unusual for a child to die due to hard labor, disease, or the cold.

The Pilgrim’s dream was to bring the Gospel of the kingdom of Christ to remote parts of the world. But they were ill prepared to do that.

The first Thanksgiving was not the first.

There were many Thanksgiving services in America long before the Pilgrim’s celebration of 1621. The first Thanksgiving, with the Wampanoag tribe, was a non-religious feast, that took place over three days. Games were played. Alcohol was consumed. Indians were present. But they all did not eat together.

Most of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods.

In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Mass. held another Thanksgiving celebration. The colonists were praying and fasting for rain as a drought had consumed the area. The rains did come a few days later. And the Dutch supply ship arrived.

It was June 30, 1623, when the Dutch supply ship arrived. The colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. This festival seems to be the start of Thanksgiving becoming a religious and social event for the Pilgrims.

Europeans brought diseases to the Native Americans.

Prior to European arrival, America’s Indigenous nations did not experience illnesses attributed to livestock, overcrowding, or poor hygiene or sanitation.

“Residents of northern Europe and England rarely bathed. They believed it was unhealthy. They also rarely removed all of their clothing at one time. They thought it was immodest.”

“The Pilgrims smelled bad to the Indians. Squanto ‘tried, without success, to teach them to bathe,’ according to Feenie Ziner, Squanto’s biographer.”

In fact, three years before the pilgrims landed, English and French fisherman transmitted diseases to tribes. They came ashore to find fresh water and firewood. They also captured Native Americans for the slave trade. And they left behind great illness for Native Americans.

It was not easy. Tens of thousands of Native Americans and Europeans died during this time from plague. (This was the time of Squanto held captive in Europe). The plague wiped out a vast majority of the inhabitants of coastal New England. Within 3 years, 90 to 96 percent of them were gone. This was a death rate unknown to man.Those living in the area perished from conflict, conquest, and diseases. (When Squanto returned to American, his tribe was gone.)

Those who did survive left their communities to join others, bringing the illnesses along with them. This caused many Native Americans to perish, even though they had not encountered Europeans.

Religion and exploration and conquer.

Throughout history, religion has served as a justification, and for the English Separatists, it was no different. They believed the wide-spread death and devastation of Native Americans due to disease was divine provenience. They thought God willed them to take over the land.

“By the time the Native populations of New England had replenished themselves to some degree, as so many had died from plagues, it was too late. Native Indians could not expel the intruders.

Colonists occupied lands cleared by Indian farmers who had vanished. As a result, colonization proceeded much more quickly. Native Americans endured devastating physical assaults, particularly from European plagues. If disease and plagues had not happened, the colonization of America would have been quite different.

(Interesting how great illness can shape history. The Pilgrims easily settled in their first years with little conflict of natives. (The local Native American tribes were generous and welcoming.) The widespread death of the Native Americans caused this lack of conflict. Introduced European diseases were responsible for many, many, many deaths.)

It was a very tough time of conquer for the Native American Indian. Colonization brought much death to the natives. It was an awful price to pay for the Pilgrims goal of religious freedom and wealth.

Foods of the first Thanksgiving:

It is noted that the Indian tribe, Wampanoag, arrived with five deer at the first Thanksgiving. The deer were roasted on an smoldering fire pit. Perhaps some of the meat was used for a stew.

Local vegetables were onions, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, and perhaps peas. Corn was removed from the cob and made into corn meal. This corn meal was boiled and pounded into a corn mash, with a molasses sweetener.

Fruits included blueberries, plums, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, and cranberries.

It is believed that much of the Thanksgiving meal consisted of seafood. Mussels, lobster, bass, clams, and oysters might have also been a part of the meal.

Potatoes had no place in the meal. It was the Spanish that introduced the potato to Europeans in 1570. Plant roots that were eaten included: Indian turnips, and groundnuts. (A “groundnut” is a variety of roots and tubers. It also includes leguminous crops similar to peanuts. These mature and ripen underground.)

Pumpkin was not served due to a lack of butter and wheat flour. And the settlers had yet to construct an oven for baking. Some say that settlers hallowed out the pumpkin. They may have filled the shell with milk, honey, and spices to make a custard. Then, they roasted the pumpkin whole in hot ashes.

If the harvest was good, there was plenty to eat.

It is said that this “first Thanksgiving meal” the colonists were outnumbered by Native Americans two to one. The Native Americans knew this type of feast well. It was central to their regular spiritual practices. They held these feasts to give thanks for a natural bounty. (Native Americans did not eat at the same table as the settlers.)

Today’s Thanksgiving:

Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together. Many churches offer special services. We all need to thank Native Americans for the opportunity to celebrate. Without their guidance, early Pilgrims would not have made it.

For some scholars there is still an argument as to whether the Pilgrims really had the first Thanksgiving. History has recorded other Thanksgiving meals among European (Spanish) settlers in North American before the Pilgrims celebration.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, a part of today’s Thanksgiving celebration.

What would Thanksgiving be like in the 20th and 21st century without the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Parades have always been a part of a citys’ or nations’ celebration. Macy’s Thanksgiving parade started in 1924. It is the largest and most famous, attracting 2-3 million spectators along it’s 2.5 mile route. It also draws an enormous television audience. We all have our favorite bands, performers, floats, and giant balloons each year.

Thanksgiving Controversy.

A Thanksgiving meal holds a long tradition. We all look forward to the celebration of, perhaps, turkey and all the trimmings. We volunteer in food banks so that many can also enjoy the meal. Many families take days to prepare for this meal. Pumpkin pie is a tradition for many. We forget how this holiday came to be. We may not know of who sacrificed so much that today we can give Thanks.

Why don’t we thank Native Americans for their role in our History?

Here in America, Native Americans take issue with the Pilgrim story. It masks the long and bloody history of conflict between Native Indian tribes and the European settlers. This conflict resulted in tens of thousands deaths from both sides.

We need to be aware of the needs of Native Americans today. We have forgotten them. Use Thanksgiving to pray for them, and consider a donation to a local tribe. Every state has a local tribe. They are there.

We need to remember that Native Americans helped us celebrate a “first” Thanksgiving. We also need to teach this to our children. It was a very difficult time for an ill-prepared group of Pilgrims and Europeans.

The Pilgrims intended to convert the “natives” to their religion. They had no regard for what the Native Americans had been practicing.

It was all about the Puritan way as the ONLY way to God. Today I think we are aware that there are many religions that pay homage to God, but in different ways. We are not to judge who is the better way.

What to share with our children today:

Teach our children that a Thanksgiving meal is a special celebration for everyone’s family.

Teach our children how much Native Americans gave of themselves, their cultures, their homes, their traditions in the conquest of North America.

Teach them that the Native Americans really suffered for all their help in the conquest of settling North America.

Teach our children to respect others and their beliefs. Let’s also give thanks for the help of Native Americans in settling North America.

And help your family to remember others at Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This special occasion unites families and friends. We create cherished memories as we gather around the table to enjoy a feast filled with delicious dishes.

It’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and celebrating the abundance in our lives, while also remembering those less fortunate. It’s a time to think about how this holiday began.

As we share laughter and stories, let us appreciate the meaningful connections we have and express our heartfelt thanks for the blessings that enrich our lives.

References:

https://https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2020/11/25/the-true-dark-history-of-thanksgiving/

https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/first-thanksgiving-meal

Category:

History of foods or holiday foods

Tagged with:

Boost Your Holiday Gift Giving with Thoughtful Gifts that will keep on giving throughout the year.

Do you decorate around your Christmas tree? Do you like lots of boxes around your tree? Is it important that everyone get a gift box? Do you count how many each person is to receive?
Are you finding it increasingly difficult to find that perfect gift to put under the tree?

That perfect gift can be hard to find.

You decorated the Perfect Christmas tree, now to find gifts to put under it. This can be a challenge. You’ve shopped and shopped. And browsed and browsed. Nothing seems to fit for that special one. Or it’s too expensive. Are you sticking to a budget and finding all those boxes are costly?

It is important to remember that gift giving is about expressing how much we care about the receiver. The gift is a symbol of our connection. I think the biggest word is CONNECTION.

The true art of gift-giving lies in its thoughtfulness and meaning and the connection to the receiver. Take the time to really think of the receiver. If you can’t think of all of those wonderful people on your list, maybe your list is too long?

Not Everyone Needs a Christmas gift box. And we don’t Need multiple boxes of items that are soon forgotten. (There are gifts I’ve given grandkiddos over the years, that I have never seen again! Lesson learning here.)

If your list is so long, you might want to think of an experience for the group. Not everyone needs a box to open. You can dress up gift-card holders with some info on the event. That way everyone has something to hold on to, post to remember and be able to anticipate the event.

Definition of a perfect gift: It is an item of sorts that someone really wants. They will use it, and most of all, they will love it. The gift will recognize the individual’s interests, style, and desires.

Tailoring your gift becomes a reflection of how well you know them and appreciate them. (Have you ever given a gift that was received with a curious expression? I have! I really thought she’d like it! I’m learning.)

Are you stumped? Are you trying to find something Different? Something special?

Christmas 2024 is about Health. We all want to improve our health and wellness. But what a problem thinking of a gift that fits that category?
How do we give “health?” Not everyone wants a gym/fitness site membership. Not everyone wants gym clothes or sweat bands or gym equipment. Are you in need of suggestions?

I think of health as food and self-care. This open the door to many different ideas.

Start with deciding what personality your receiver is. Think hard about them. Maybe list one or two things that you admire or that you have in common. What do they really like or prefer?
Is that person a Go-Getter? Are they always on the run to somewhere, or running for an appointment for the family? Is their calendar always full?
Is the special person planning a vacation soon? They may have posters up around their desk.
Perhaps they just moved into a new home/apartment. New “digs” is always exciting!
Are they down with what’s happening at work lately? A bit bummed? Work burning them out? Do you think they need some TLC?

Are they a gamer? Video? Cards? Board games?
What do they do in their spare time?
What do you do when you are together?
Do they talk about their garden? Is there a love of flowers?
Do they read? How artistic are they?
Or maybe you want a “special”gift for that special co-worker who is always there for you?

Think about what makes them special? Or what interests them. Do they need a pick-up? A hug? Or just a fun gift? Maybe it is something to do together?

Once you can focus on the person, it can become easier to find a “perfect gift.” The charm of a unique gift often holds more value and memories than expensive or excessive gift giving.

People do appreciate the thoughtfulness. A personal touch is always the best. (I am leaning more toward disposable, used-up gifts. No more “things.” )

I have some suggestions for some personal gift-giving!!

With trying to keep that special person in mind,
perhaps a suggestion below might work?
Or at least to get you thinking and imagining?

I personally like creative gifts. They become more thoughtful and meaningful. I like consumable gifts. I am at that time of life where material goods are no longer needed. Consumable is the way. Or experiences shared together.

See if you have anyone on your Christmas list that might fit into the below categories. (I’m trying to open up your creativity.)

Some people are like the Energizer Bunny: Is your friend always on the go! Does it seem like their calendar is always full and they are never home?

An “energizer bunny” needs fuel and snacks. Often, stopping at a fast food place is not preferred. Sometimes, there isn’t enough time to wait in line.
Start with a “goodie box.” There are some pretty boxes or thermal bags available. They will contain your gift. These make it easy to store in the car or van. Add a thermal cup for hot or cold drinks. Don’t forget some winter napkins, or perhaps some moist wipes? Sometimes even adding a plastic knife or fork or spoon is helpful.

I am a thirsty gal. I always have a drink with me. My drink of choice is the Energizing Tea1 and my favorite flavor is Elderberry. Just enough caffeine, 70 mg, to keep me going without jitters. I enjoy this hot or cold. But I don’t drink it after supper due to the caffeine.
I no longer drink pop or fizzy drinks. No more colas. I’m opting for more healthy drinks, with less sugars.
Sustained Energy Boost2 is another great product with just the right amount of caffeine (100 mg.) It can be served hot or cold. Contains natural ingredients including Chardonnay Grape Seed Extract. That sounds special! It is available in grapefruit (refreshing) and raspberry natural flavors.
To give a comparison: Starbucks Black unsweetened cold coffee: 195 mg of caffeine to which you add sugars as their coffee can be bitter. And no health benefits. Coca-Cola Energy – regular or zero – 114 mg of caffeine, and not health benefits.)
Maybe add to the box some snacks to be there when she is running, and running out of time, and getting hungry. Snacks for the car? Meal-in-a-bar or Snack bars from Shaklee.3 Great flavors to choose from. Chocolate and even peanut butter, or blueberry. All with good protein and low sugars. Great to keep in the car for eating healthy on the go.

Does your special person have a Vacation planned? A dreamer of sun and fun? Has your special person talked about their upcoming plans for weeks now? You can zero in on the fun with some take-alongs for their travels.

Are they planning a winter vacation? Hitting the slopes or the beach? Give them a tube of Sunscreen SPF 30 4that protects your skin and nourishes it too! You need sunscreen especially in the snow!
Don’t forget to protect the lips: Renew Lip Serum5 is age-defying and great hydration for their lips.
Hydrate6 is another product to include to …keep the vacationer hydrated. Two flavors: Orange and lemon/lime.
Add a travel mug; Maybe add mittens if going cold; or a fun hat if going warm.
There are after-sun care lotions or creams. I love the Renew Body Serum7 for a great re-hydrator for parched/sun-kissed/dry skin. This serum also contains hylauronic acid for tone and texture. Wonderful additive that you will see the difference in your skin!
With these gifts, you will be traveling with them as they think of you when they use them!

New Homeowner! Congratulations! It doesn’t have to be a house. It can be an apartment. Perhaps an RV or a condo? My neighbor has a house boat! A New Home is a New Home! And it is exciting! Another chapter in their lives.

A bottle of bubbly for sure to congratulate. Remember there are non-alcoholic bubbly drinks too.
Add the Get Clean Green Cleaning basket8. This basket is full of All the cleaning products that new home will ever need. And they are All chemical free.
Refills will save the new homeowner money to buy the extra items for the new house.
Start the new homeowner on a chemical-free (as well as can be managed) free home! Don’t forget the bubbly and maybe two glasses? You could also add a Welcome Mat?

Today working “9-to-5” today can be stressful and at times difficult. Is your special person feeling over-worked and under-paid! Perhaps maybe feeling a bit unloved… And it doesn’t have to be work-related. Stress can really be a heavy load.
The gift I’m suggesting provides that special person with a good relaxing time in the bath. It can even be enjoyed in the shower. This is suitable for any age!
I start with Basic H29 in the bathtub. (yup from Get Clean line of cleaners as it is pH balanced) Basic H2 can produce bubbles in the tub and also eliminate the bathtub ring! (No chemicals here for little people.) I like the fact that getting out of the tub of warm water, my skin does not feel dried out. pH balanced.
There are several ways to wash: from cleansing bars to shower gels. Shaklee offers several great products without chemicals. I prefer the Revitalize Body Wash (revitalize the skin with nutrients and oils, leaving you feeling clean and replenished with a youthful, healthy glow.)
Finish off with a good body lotion. My recommendation: Body Ritual Trio Gift Set – Sparkling Citrus. 10 A great set for all the bath needs. This set has all the body cleanser/restorers you will need all in one!
I am betting after this wonderful bath, your special person will definitely feel the love! Maybe add a candle for scent with a calming scent.
Or you can add supplies for a pedicure or manicure. What a special in-home gift!!

Game Night is always fun! Does your special person enjoy Games? Game night gathers people together. I prefer board games as I can see the opposition’s reactions! And I love to play different ones on the same night!

Is your special person a “gammer?” Do they do board games or video? Perhaps a new game, or console. You might want to ask a family member what their next choice would be.
Or board game. This is my favorite.
Add to the gift Snack bars, Snack crisps11, Energizing Soy protein balls.12 We all love to eat when we play! Personalize with the Energizing Soy protein balls, you can create to their favorite flavor!

Gardener on your list? Does your special person like to work in their yard? Feed the birds? Grow flowers? Or just like digging in the dirt. They say digging in the dirt is getting in touch with Nature. I love it. It does make me feel good.

Basic H213 is a gardeners helper. Used from farms and ranches to your individual garden plot.
Non-toxic. pH balanced for your plants and hands. I add a few drops to my watering can. It makes “water = wetter!” (that’s a chemistry thought.)
Great for cleaning out bird feeders, bird bath, gardening tools, etc. It cleans without the worry of chemical residue.
Of course add a new small plant or maybe some favorite flowering seeds. Don’t forget new Garden Gloves! New garden gloves are always needed for busy hands.

Special Co-Worker! Do you have that special co-worker who always supports you? Do they come up with great suggestions? Are you wanting to do something very different?

My suggestion here is a thermal mug full of different drink ideas. Caffeine does not have to be only found in coffee. Sometimes I think we drink it without tasting it.
Caffeine can have health benefits. Watch where the coffee bean comes from, its purity, and its processing.
All that counts towards making the caffeine beneficial.
Shaklee through Wellness Makes Cents offers caffeine in many different ways and in different strengths for different needs. (Look for another blog on coffee/caffeine/tea in the New Year. What I like about their products is the added health benefits to my drinks. And the choices. I do not miss soda pop. I do not miss flavored drinks. And I know my beverage is healthy.
Start with a pretty mug, or a thermal that will keep that precious cup of caffeine warm/hot.
Then the healthy choices: Energizing Tea14 (great flavors: 70 mg of caffeine). I like the various tea flavors. From Green tea to Peach tea! Something different than just black tea. And many of Shaklee’s teas are higher quality white or red teas.
Performance Pre-Workout Energy15 drink is another caffeinated drink: 100 mg of caffeine. Sustained Energy Boost16 drink has 2 flavors, 100 mg of caffeine.
It is suggested to not drink more than 450 mg of caffeine daily. And of course, not for kiddos under 18.
What’s special about the above caffeinated drinks? It is all about the added beneficial healthy ingredients as many have great healthy benefits other than just a stimulant.
I would encourage trying different tastes. Mix up the mug. Different flavors. Caffeine does not have to be in coffee. Sometimes, the processing of the coffee bean can result in a bitter brew. This brew is often hard to digest.
Add some good cookies to this gift. Make the “coffee break” a sweet treat. Or add the Homemade Protein balls in their favorite flavors.

Pizza King? Not all your gifts have to be all about health. I’m taking a step away as I imagine what to give a Pizza Person! I like pizza. But not always with meat/sausage. There are so many different cheeses to add to change or up-tick the flavors.

Start with a new pizza pan and pizza cutter.17 My pizza pan has served many, many, many pizzas. And when I’m serving a crowd, another pan comes in handy. (It also comes in handy baking cookies!)
Find some unique cheeses to grate or sprinkle on the pizza. Do they like olives? Oh there are so many to make this pie unique. And don’t forget sausages.
As to sauce, well maybe leave it to them; or add a jar of Ragu or your favorite ready-made. Homemade pizza by the family is a lot of fun! There are many great simple recipes to find.
Add oven gloves and plates and napkins! All set for dinner! I can almost smell your pizza!

Last suggestion: From the writer here to you:

A writer always likes a new journal18 and a special pen. I saw some fun pens at the Dollar Tree with crazy tops. I always have pen and paper with me. I do use “notes” on my phone. However, writing it down and crossing it out gives me pleasure.
Do you have a friend that likes to draw? Maybe someone who is a budding artist. A set of pencils would be greatly appreciated. Make it transportable pencils so they can draw when they want.
Find a journal with a cover that suits them. Add that special writing tool. Maybe include a box of chocolates for while they are writing or drawing! (Adding food always works!)

Most of all HAVE FUN creating! It is enjoyable to deeply consider that special person. Try to think about who they really are and what they truly like.

My suggestions may not be as personal as you want. They are meant to get you thinking of that person and how to make it Special. Change items suggested; add a personal item. Personalizing makes your gift special.

This thoughtful approach to gift-giving strengthens relationships, conveys a depth of affection and appreciation often left unsaid. In today’s world we are always in such a rush. In contrast, a standard gift, while appreciated, may lack this personal touch and become meaningless. Who wants just another box to open?

How do you want your gift to resonate? Think of how it will be used by the individual, not you. With kiddos I always want them to try so many things that really may not be of interest to them. Style matters to many people of all ages. Don’t “wish” on them. Recognize today’s person.

Recommendations:

This is a small list of suggestions. Remember to start with the person you are gifting. Not what you want to give them. But what they are interested in. Then it becomes easy to plan unique gifts. I would love to help.

Always start with maybe listing your special person’s unique characteristics.
Why they are special to you.
What it is that attracts you to their friendship?
What makes them special to you.
What is it that you like doing with them?
There is where to start. Once you can focus on what makes them special to you, you will be able to develop the gift.


Sometimes I keep a note on my phone for gifts especially when I come across that special item. Or have that ‘brain-fart’ while I’m trying to go to sleep! I write it down so I won’t forget it. Do note where you were when you thought of this. This can be invaluable tracking it down.
I have a spot in my “notes” where I add “white elephant” gifts. When I need one I can never think of one. And jot down the person or group you were thinking of when the thought went through your mind. Very helpful to track it down!


Let your creativity wander! Gifts don’t have to be very expensive to be special. They just have to mean something to the person receiving it. You can do this as I know you feel strongly about person or you wouldn’t be giving them a gift!

Have fun! The fun is in giving!

Give a gift your special person will talk about All Year! Give the gift of Love and Thought.

Merry Christmas!
And prayers for a
Healthy, Happy New Year!

Hugs! Mary

I have used a lot of products from my Wellness site. Yes, I hope you buy some. But they are there also to start you thinking. Sometimes a suggestion is all you need for your own creativity to take off!

https://wellness.maryjessen.com/

Footnotes: (where suggested products can be found)

  1. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  2. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  3. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  4. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  5. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  6. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  7. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  8. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  9. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  10. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  11. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  12. https://go.shaklee.com/naturally/recipes/life-shake-recipes/ ↩︎
  13. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  14. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  15. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  16. https://us.shaklee.com/site/jessen/storefront ↩︎
  17. https://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Aluminum-Brushes-Homemade-Accessories ↩︎
  18. https://www.amazon.com/Hardcover-Leather-Notebook-Journals-Business ↩︎

References:

https://www.oxmag.co.uk/articles/the-importance-of-thoughtfulness-and-meaning-in-gift-giving/

Category:

#christmas, Health and Wellness, Holidays

Tagged with:

Coping with Holiday Blues: Tips for Mental Health

Christmas Time. Fun times. Gift giving time. Christmas tree time. Stocking hung by the fireplace. Fire in the fireplace. Cookies and cakes oh my! Oh the warmth and glow of Christmas. A perfect Christmas scene.

For some of family and friends, holidays are not fun. It can be a time of great stress, maybe loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Perhaps a lost one is no longer with us.

Additionally, the demands of the season can put great stress upon us. It is difficult to get away from it. Marketing and TV blast it at us: Make it a Hallmark Christmas! We are now looking at Christmas before Halloween!

The Holiday season can be overwhelming with tasks that are thrown at us as need-to-do. Sometimes I feel I get caught up in that wave. I sit down at night, and I feel that I’ve not accomplished anything. I become frustrated at what I didn’t finish. I know it is time to re-evaluate my day and tasks. Maybe my list was too long? I could scream as I feel so overwhelmed!

What are Holiday Blues?

Holiday Blues can feel like “regular depression.” However, the difference is that it is triggered by several factors. These include the onset of holidays, holiday events, family get-togethers, and attending or hosting special holiday events. It comes in bursts relative to the event, and end after. Or it can linger for the days and weeks leading up to the holiday season.

“I can’t do all this!” “Why bother?” Depression can be a result of un-achieved, over-tasked, un-accomplished days. This is where seasonal depression starts. “What’s the use?” is a common admission.

It is easy to think we are the only one feeling sad.

It is easy to assume everyone else is having a great holiday! It is easy to assume everyone else has it together. It’s easy to assume everyone else is doing great!

You may think you are the only one struggling with depressed feelings. Holiday depression can make you feel isolated. You may feel like you are observing others having a great time. This can lead to feelings of “what’s wrong with me?”

The brief period when Christmas is considered a Big Deal is only between the ages of 6 and 8. Children become aware of gift-giving and the celebrations as they age. It is after 8 years of age that the reality of the holiday is noticed. And as children get older they begin to recognize that Santa’s gifts cost a lot of money.

As an adult we can see the costs of the Holidays: financial, socially, maybe travel, gift selections, decorating, etc. We get too involved in the mechanics of the holiday. We forget the real reason for it: To celebrate a family getting together. It is perhaps also a time to celebrate the birth of a very special child.

I suggest that if Holiday Blues are becoming more of a problem, step back. Consider what is truly important for you and your family.

Why do I feel so sad?

The most common symptom of Holiday Blues is a persistent feeling of sadness. This can include changes in appetite, weight, sleep patterns, depressed mood, difficult concentrating. It includes a loss of pleasure doing the things that normally make you happy. You may have memory problems. Restlessness. Sadness that lingers around the calendar for the holiday is a sign of Holiday Blues.

Sometimes it is an overwhelming feeling of getting no-where. This can lead to feelings of guilt (there are so many others worse off than me). You can find yourself wanting to stay in bed longer in the morning, or craving unusual afternoon naps. You can develop feelings of anxiousness and worry.

When we are over-stressed during times when we are expected to be organized and happy, it can lead to sadness. We may not feel we are normal. We may feel we are not doing it right. We may feel out-of-control.

You may need to make some changes to your “usual” holiday activities.

Don’t be afraid to make some changes in your Holiday festivities.Maybe you are over-scheduling. Are you trying to accomplish too much? It may be just a gathering of your immediate family that you feel needs to be Perfect. Include the extended family/friend groups after the New Year. A winter party can be more fun than a Christmas social event as the stress of the holidays is gone.

Some facts about Holiday Blues?

In the US, adults are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays. We all feel we need to make our Holidays Perfect!

Nine out of 10 adults say that concerns of not having enough money cause a lot of the stress. They also worry about missing loved ones. Additionally, they worry about family conflicts.

Between two and five people rate the holidays as higher stress than any other holiday.

Forty-three percent of people polled say holiday stress interferes with their enjoyment of the holiday.

Thirty-six percent of people polled says the time between November and January feels like a competition.

(The above facts are according to a poll done by the American Psychological Association.)

It is important for people and families to take care of their mental health during holidays.

Holiday Blues can be hard on mental health, especially if you are dealing with:

  • 1.Stressful schedules: Managing a family’s special holiday activities can be overwhelming. Trying to fit them into a family schedule can be quite challenging.
  • 2. Holiday depression can be hard if we feel we have to be the best hostess or organizer. No activity is ever perfect. As a guest, we just don’t notice the mistakes or corrections.
  • 3.If you are separated from loved ones at the holidays, it can be a sad time. We notice their absence. Don’t avoid the feelings of loved ones trying to adjust to the change in their life. Maybe a hug is just what they need. Maybe it’s you. A hug works for you too.
  • 4.Isolation can also become more difficult in the holidays. Whether it is a loss or a move away, the holiday emphasis on family can make you feel all alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others who may be alone.
  • 5.Conflicts or feuds within the family can bring about depression. This can happen especially with conflicts among the adults result in not seeing their children. Try to adjust to avoid the conflicts. This can be difficult.
  • 6.Social anxiety can cause depression when we are afraid of a large gathering. We also fear not belonging in the event.
  • 7.Holiday trauma of years past can arise and influence this year’s celebration. Maybe the trauma was a major illness or death. Then the holiday can become a reminder of earlier year’s struggles.
  • 8 .Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. It is ok to decline an invitation to a gathering that may not make you happy. It is ok to leave a gathering early. Don’t feel bad about setting a personal boundary around what you feel will upset yourself.

Don’t assume that everyone else is happy when you are struggling with your emotions about the holiday. You are not the only one in this big big world with problems.

There are ways to work with Holiday Blues:

You don’t have to accept feeling blue at the holiday time. There are suggestions that can help you deal with Holiday Blues and be capable of enjoying the holiday.

  • A. Don’t be afraid to remember the loved one: Share a toast. Place their picture out. Include their memory in today’s events. “I know she would love this!” “I know she is here with us.”
  • B. If distance is a problem, consider placing photographs around. Put some holiday decoration by the photo.Stay connected. Use the computer to connect if you can. Zoom works. And the cost is minimal. Phone calls to help. Work an activity together by phone call.

I remember during CoVid my family had Christmas by Zoom. I sent out gifts and packets of fun to each family. We opened presents together and even played games together, all on line. We were separated, by still shared the time.

The following year, CoVid was not as bad. We decided to hold Christmas in a more open atmosphere: our Garage! We all wore our masks. I decorated the garage. It was not as good as Christmas inside our home, but we were connected. And it became a Christmas to remember.

  • C. Professionals suggest that you try to connect with yourself and your values. When you are feeling blue and worrying too much about others, this is the time to reconnect with yourself. Choose an activity that will hold your interest and concentration. Find interests that make you feel good and does not drain you emotionally.

This is where I stop to paint. It’s just watercolors, and simple window plastic decorations. Sometimes craft wooden birdhouses. It fulfills my soul, and refreshes me. I give the objects away or hang them in my window.

  • D. Watching TV is a passive activity and realliy doesn’t help. It often presents too weak a subject or plot to hold your interest for very long. Sitting too long looking at Hallmark is not a way to motivate yourself to do what makes you happy. If anything Hallmark has unachievable life plots and lives. It is a fantasy. Not a reality. TV watching can also lead to snacking and added calories.
  • E. Be alert to what you decide to put off or ignore. If you find yourself avoiding what normally gave you pleasure, do an “avoidance activity.”

What’s an “avoidance activity?” A brief moment of happiness is an avoidance activity.A suggestion is to make a cup of tea, or cocoa. Stop and embrace the warmth. Savor it. Hold the warmth of the cup in your hand. Feel the warm cocoa go down. Embrace it.

Then perhaps try the activity again. Try the activity in a small dose of positive action. (Clean one counter, not the entire room.) Even a small sense of accomplishment goes a long way to boost your mood.

An “avoidance activity” can also be a moment of reconnecting with your values. Enjoy the aroma. Look out the window. Stop and really savor that cup of your favorite beverage. It should become a moment of love of self or nature.

  • F. We all know that physical activity counts. When you are in a blue mood, perhaps it is time for a walk around the block. Get a change of air. Physical activity increases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine all of which are natural anti-depressants. Create an exercise routine in the winter months. Joining a gym can help not only with exercise but also social interaction. And the membership fee can “force” you to go.

Physical activity can include trips to museums and zoo. It does not always have to be a walk. Learn to find spots of interest that are calming not stimulating when you exercise. Do some local exploring. Art center? New coffee cafe?

  • G. Weight gain in the winter months can be a problem, especially for those who are affected by seasonal depression. Feelings of lethargy, can lead to eating high-calorie, high fat foods to try to cope. A regular exercise routine helps with improper eating, as excessive holiday eating can lead to weight gain. Enjoy the holiday special foods, just don’t over-do it.
  • H. Try to keep a normal sleep schedule. It is quite tempting to stay in bed on a bad winter weather day. Hypersomnia or over-sleeping is common in winter and can actually add to a low mood. We all like to snuggle when the cold winter winds are blowing.

Many of us have lost the need to emphasize sleep. We watch TV until the program is done, or the game is finished, even if it means staying up later. Learn to set a time when stimulation is turned off. Going later than usual does upset your circadian clock. I know my dog likes bedtime at a certain time. She reminds me! We all need to emphasize sleep and rest. We need good rest to be able to recover for the next day’s challenges.

Suggestions for Self-Care for Depression.:

Use some of the above suggestions. Some of these sound alike. Many times it is taking one day at a time, without double scheduling. Planning the week out on a calendar. Planning the week on paper, and then itemizing in priority. Don’t forget to add: eating healthy and getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night.

  • Take note of the light in your work/living area. This could be the ONE thing that is affecting you. Start with controlling the light around you. You may need to increase it. Holiday Blues, and S.A.D., are affected by winter darkness. Add more light to your home or work spot.
  • It can not be emphasized enough to make time for yourself to recharge. A solo walk outside. A solo shopping trip. A long bath. Pedicure. Manicure. Enjoying a hot cup of cocoa; don’t drink it, savor it! You Need to recharge when stress is high.
  • Get good rest. Emphasize it. Make your bedroom feel welcoming to yourself. You want to feel a bit pampered when you sleep. Enhance your bedroom space. Perhaps clean and organize it. Read a book before sleep. Find a good novel with good thoughts. Add some extra pillows to your bed that make you feel “special.”

I add some Christmas decorations in our bedroom. Not a lot but a little green and red. It brings holiday cheer into my safe place. I don’t go overboard as too much is stimulating. I like a quiet bedroom.

  • Try to balance your life. This is done by scheduling action and structure to your normal activities. Create regular times for breakfast, exercising, answering email, talking with someone. The last activity of the day, as advised, is to sit down and create a plan for tomorrow. Your mind will rest a lot easier with a plan for the next day.

I’m a note person. I always like to write notes, and especially if I am looking at a busy week. I incorporate house tasks, shopping, meal prep, and even evenings with some relaxing Christmas movies. I like a to-do list especially over the holidays when there is so much to do. I have learned to feel satisfied as I cross off activities.

It is suggested to start the day by making your bed. This is a mental act of organization. Your mind starts the day with an accomplishment.

  • Improve your Living Space: Put cozy blankets on the couch. Make your bed every day. Learn to “straighten” your home each night with everyone putting their “things” away. In the morning you are greeted by organization, not chaos.

Add some lamps. Overhead lighting does not help as it has a glare. You want warm bright lights. One of the causes of SAD can be connected to the dark nights of winter. Changing that light bulb, adding more lights, may be all you need to feel better.

Choose a different bulb for your desk lamp if you find yourself affected by darker days. (Amazon offers special bulbs for SAD.) Alternatively, buy a small desk lamp for your personal use. Move your chair closer to the window. Open the drapes or shades during the daytime.

  • Do something new. This can be a trip to the zoo or museum for the holidays. It can be local and it can be far away. Try a new hairstyle. Go to lunch at a different cafe. Novelty and exploration prevent stagnation. This not only puts you in motion but also gives meaning to the day.

Many cities have special Christmas activities. I like our Zoo with all the Christmas lights! And they may have available hot cocoa! Indianapolis State Museum has a Christmas tree contest whereas local groups decorate Christmas trees for competition. It is a beautiful display of trees, lights, and decorations.

  • Watch your diet! Junk foods or fast foods can create a “crash” feeling. Complex carbs take longer to digest and increase the “feel good” hormone (serotonin) in your brain. Feel good foods include spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, beans or lentils, and zucchini. Chocolates and almonds are also mood enhancers. (But remember chocolate and almonds are high in fats.)

If you are going to attend a high calorie event, watch your daily consumption of calories before attending. The next day, drink a lot of fluids. Pay attention to your calorie intake again. Your body is digesting the rich foods of yesterday. Exercise on the day after does help burn some of the high calories.

is a significant amount of activity before the Holidays. All this activity occurs in a short period of time and is for just one day? Making a list can help you and your brain. Itemize what you want to achieve. This process takes stress from your brain. It helps your brain by seeing order to what you want to do.

  • Create a list:

  • Create a list. Write it down. Ask yourself to rank what you want done.
  • Then arrange the tasks you listed. Stick to your list.
  • What has the Most importance?
  • What has the least importance and this task be eliminated?
  • Add to the above list, tasks that you would like for yourself to get ready for the holiday.
  • Make certain you are putting a good night’s rest at the top. Don’t run your list until midnight! Remember sleep is important. If preparing for the holiday, cuts into your sleep, you are doing too much.
  • Getting enough sleep will give you greater energy to achieve what you consider important.
  • Add a pedicure or a manicure for yourself. You don’t have to buy a spa treatment, just enjoy a good bath or shower. Take time for yourself to recharge.
  • Take your vitamins. When stress is high don’t short-change yourself with your supplement. When stress is high, our immune system struggles. Probiotics and vitamins are good to help increase your immune system at this time.
  • You need an immune system that is high with all the shopping and events. A low immune system can lead to getting sick.
  • Make certain to eat a balanced meal. Don’t always rely on fast foods.
  • Be certain to add some outside time. Taking a walk, even if only once a week, can renew your spirit.
  • And share the joy, not the stress. Sometimes it is taking a step back to look at the holidays as a child views them. Simple.

As to the list? What did you rank high? What did you rank last? Cross out the bottom three. How does that feel? I hope you feel a bit lighter.

  • Your thoughts are not Facts. If you mind chatter is controlling you, STOP the mind chatter. We get in trouble listening to that inner voice sometimes. Our minds tend to wander down the same path it took for years. Knowing this can help you work on changing that voice.  Your inner voice is not what really happened nor will it happen. 

And if you don’t have an inner voice, not to worry.  Many people do not.

The best suggestion I’ve received for that inner voice chatter is to say: “STOP. I don’t want to listen. STOP.” It does work. Try to remember something good instead.

What is S.A.D.?

This change of seasons can set into motion a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly called S.A.D. This type of depression starts in late fall, November, and can last until Spring or even Summer. It is real. It does happen. It can sneak up on you. One day you can look in the mirror and start to cry.

Symptoms can include: depressed mood for most or all days; loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed; lack of energy; trouble concentrating; sleep disturbances (particularly oversleeping); feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness; thoughts about not wanting to live; and weight gain. The symptoms of S.A.D. and Holiday Blues and Depression are quite similar.

(To distinguish between depression and S.A.D. in comes down to a time frame. If depression starts in November and runs through winter, and ends about March or April, it most likely is S.A.D. If it goes longer, please seek help. It is all about the time frame of onset.)

Holiday Blues may come and go with the time frame for an event or celebration. Holiday Blues is connected to performance of the activity. It comes before, and once the event is done, it disappears.

Severe Symptoms of Seasonal Depression and S.A.D.

Severe symptoms of seasonal depression are more than Holiday Blues.

It’s when Feelings of depression last most of the day or nearly every day past the holidays.

Feelings of Hopelessness. Feelings of worthlessness. (This is particularly worrisome. Please contact your doctor if you find yourself feeling such.)

Sluggishness. Agitation.

Any time depression includes thoughts of suicide, you need to get professional help. Don’t wait. It’s easy to call 988. This call is confidential.

If you find yourself with these symptoms for more days than not, it is important to talk with your doctor. Seek help if it does not improve as the holiday season ends or winter ends. Professional help can truly help you through this.

What’s the overall Suggestion for Holiday Blues: Slow down on attending all the events. Don’t plan so much. Prioritize. Everything does not have to be perfect.

Slow the pace down. Try for one activity a day. One special event per week.  Take control of your calendar.

Keep the pace slow and manageable.  Slowing things down can create better memories. Don’t rush through events that become a blur in your memories.

At holiday times we feel our family needs it all. Advertising and marketing companies keep telling us how much we NEED to do this or NEED to buy this.

Do we really NEED it?

Most often not.

When should I go for help?

If the holiday passes and you are still depressed, please see your doctor for help. Or if you find your depression is deepening, please see your doctor. Everyone gets depressed at times. It is when the depression lasts longer than two weeks, we need help.

Over all Suggestion to help make the Holidays a bit easier.

Refocus your holidays. Make it family time. Slow things down to savor the times together. Take the time to remember the memory. When we don’t try to accomplish it all, you may find greater satisfaction and enjoyment. Prioritize. Eat healthy meals. Try to stay away from fast foods. Get enough good quality sleep. Pamper yourself and your family with quiet times.

Set a budget. Set a budget for gifts, for extra entertaining, or decorating. Try to stay within the planned costs. Try not to find yourself competing with the “neighbors” or what TV says is perfect.

If you find yourself getting depressed, take a step back and recharge YOURSELF. Try some of the suggestions. Realize that you are not alone with stress/holiday blues at the Holiday Time. Marketing and Sales has put a huge burden on families. We can easily lose our focus.

Keep the Holiday simple: Simple Plans, Less Stress!

Most of all: You are not alone with your feelings. Hugs!

https://wellness.maryjessen.com

References:

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress#

https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2022/12/holiday-blues-put-your-mental-health-first-holiday-season

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues

Category:

Health and Wellness, Mental-Health

Tagged with: