December’s Goal
Social Connectedness
Staying connected has been shown to improve
mental and physical health! This Holiday Season,
spend time with friends and family to maximize your
holiday enjoyment.
Tri Fit’s 12 Healthy Habits
Social Connections
For many of us, the holidays mean family gatherings, getting
together with friends, and participating in community and
workplace activities. Such occasions are an opportunity to check in
with each other, exchange ideas, and perhaps lend a supportive
ear or shoulder.
Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also
influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as
adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking. Dozens of studies
have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with
family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health
problems and live longer.
Make the most of your Relationships
Around the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in the whirl of social
activities and lose track of the deeper purpose of providing an
opportunity for people to come together.
1. Choose activities that
are most likely to bring
joy to you and the
people you care about.
2. Delegate or discard
tasks that eat into your
time, or do them
together with family or
friends.
3. Eat and drink in moderation to enhance your feelings of
well-being and increase your enjoyment of social gatherings.
4. Plan a social get-together after the busy holiday season.
Good friends and family members will be happy to see you at
any time of year!
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2010/December/the-health-benefits-ofstrong-relationships
Stop the Stress Before it Starts!
The holiday season often brings
unwelcome guests — stress and
anxiety. And it's no wonder. The
holidays present a dizzying array of
demands — parties, shopping, baking,
cleaning and entertaining. It’s important
to stop and regroup to avoid becoming
overwhelmed. With the following
practical tips, you can minimize the
stress that often accompanies the
holidays and maximize your enjoyment
of the festive season!
1.
2.
3.
4.
Acknowledge your feelings. If you have experienced a loss or you can't
be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's
okay to express these feelings.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or
other social events for support and companionship. Volunteering your
time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and form new
friendships.
Be realistic. Adjust your holiday expectations each year. As families
change and grow, traditions and rituals can change as well. Choose a few
to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they
are, even if they fall short of your expectations. Set aside grievances and
address them at a more appropriate time.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Stick to a budget. Plan your budget for gifts and food shopping before
the holidays and stick to it. Instead of buying an avalanche of gifts, why
not donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start
a family gift exchange?
Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends
and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
Learn to say no. Saying “yes” when you should say “no” can leave you
feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will
understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
Don't abandon healthy
habits. Don't let the holidays become
a free-for-all. Overindulgence only
adds to your stress and guilt. Have a
healthy snack before holiday parties
so that you don't go overboard on
sweets, appetizers or drinks.
9.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes
alone, without distractions, will help you refresh and re-energize. Listen
to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your
mind, slowing your breathing and restoring your inner calm.
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, if you
find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical
complaints, unable to sleep or face routine chores, talk to your doctor or
a mental health professional.
www.mayoclinic.com
Track a Techy Time-out
Personal relationships and social
connections can be nurtured with more
one-on-one contact and less emailing,
texting, and Facebooking. Commit to a
time out over the holidays by turning off
your phone.
Take the 7 to 7 for 7 Challenge!
Turn your phone off from 7pm to 7am every day for 7 days. Then
re-assess. Could you continue to do this every day? How about 3
days a week or maybe on the weekends? Try to survive without the
use of your phone, and see how much more time you have to give
to your friends and loved ones.
Use this tracker to help you in the 7 to 7 for 7 Challenge:
Week Day
Off at 7pm?
(indicate time if
different)
On at 7am?
(indicate time if
different)
Success? Yes or No
Comment on today’s challenge
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Want to really challenge yourself? Go for 30 days! Or make this
your New Year’s Resolution for 2015!