A Few simple Ways to Feel the Holiday Joy, Haooiness and Gratefulness Even with 'the Blues Tend to take your Wintery Days Over...
Many suffer from a depressive order this time of year. I wanted to share a few simple, inexpensive ways to bring warmth, joy, and gratitude during this time of year.
When we are alone, have little family or friends, have suffered a loss or losses during the holidays, or find ourselves not thrilled with the colder temperatures, the dreary, cloudy days, the drizzle or snow, the wind chill, many often feel much like I do.
I was with my Doxie Bella for family at Thanksgiving. I cooked a mini-Thanksgiving dinner for her and me. It was not fancy, but I enjoyed knowing she loves it when I cook for her.
I was a bit upset at first because my neighbors never said hello. Then I knew they had some personal issues, so I felt they were having a difficult time right now. I understand. I used to be one who enjoyed people. I still do. You meet me in the market, doctor's office, or out and about, and I never meet a stranger. I recently had the entire doctors' waiting room talking because I asked one lady a question.
You never know when you will meet an incredible person or people. I do understand why my Mom, as she got older, was more of a homebody. I have dealt with so much severe pain, illnesses, diseases, syndromes, and medical conditions (and yes, they all mean different things).
I find it harder to get out in the bone-chilling, windy, damp weather. I plan my market trips or errands around the warmer time of the day. Some things I order and have delivered if the weather is horrible or my body is just hurting too badly to get out. I do NOT do that often. I have to get out and do things myself. That is one thing that helps. Do not allow yourself, unless you are acutely or critically ill, to get out if you are not well.
There have been several holidays I was either in the hospital or home after a major surgery. I pray I never nor anyone should have to deal with that. I am learning that I must not hurt myself worse by not asking for help. It is not a weakness to ask for assistance when you need it. If something, it's a strength.
You can simmer cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves in a pot of water on the stove. That smell of warm comfort and joy can lift spirits. If you have blinds, you may open them; it will not let the cold in, so you can have light inside.
You can add a red light for red light therapy. It is healing for the cells. It gives you the light rays that can help. Dogs like it, and it is good for them also.
You get your favorite candle scent and burn it. That can bring back good memories, boosting your endorphins. If it is sunny, walk out for a few minutes at a time. That sunlight really helps. But a small bouquet of your favorite flowers or a small plant. The plant helps to pull bad air out and put in good air.
Put up a few decorations. You can make them. Keeping busy, do "winter cleaning" and go through to give away good clothes you may not wear anymore. Give a few cans of food or a toy to the local drives around your town. It is not that you have to spend $$$, but even $5.00 worth of food items, or round up your debit card purchase amount for a good cause.
Read a great book, watch a fantastic Christmas movie, send out e-cards to friends, and say hello to someone who appears to need it. Even those who seem to be grumpy may just be having a worse day than you. Uplift their spirit and yours by giving them a nod that it's okay.
I LOVE being outside, in the garden, working on the lawn, the house, mowing, trimming trees, and anything outdoors. The cold days, when I can't get out, are difficult. I try to bring that in with a plant, flowers, or creating something for myself, my home, or cooking a batch of ginger cookies, sugar cookies, or something decadent.
That smell of pumpkin pie, cookies, walnut pie, quick bread, and fruitcake can spark the bright light of love, laughter, and gratitude within a breath's space.
If you wish, you can read the Bible. The inspiration, knowing it is Christ's birth, can be genuinely a spiritual uplifting. Could you just read a passage or a few when you get to it? For those of you who are interested or need guidance.
Go window shopping! You don't have to buy anything, but getting out of the house, seeing people, looking, and gathering ideas can bring a smile to your day.
Visit an elderly place or give to a cause that offers Santa sacks to those without anyone in their life who are either in a home or home alone. They are doing a reuble sack here and putting 12 small things in it to represent the 12 days of Christmas! It is snack items like tissues, a puzzle book, a small jigsaw puzzle, a small throw blanket, lip balm, hand lotion, hand wipes, and socks with grippers on the bottom. They sent out a list of the items they were going to fix in the sacks and passed them out. It is an excellent way to bring a smile to someone in a nursing home or living alone.
IF you are having a hard time with winter depressive disorder, you need to add Chelated Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Getting enough sleep is number 1. Eating nutritious and healthy meals daily. Kee hydrated. You can go outside even on a cloudy day. The sun is there; it just takes longer to receive the benefits on an overcast day.
BEFORE YOU ADD ANY SUPPLEMENT TO YOUR medications, be sure to DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR PCP. If you care about any medicines, you do not want them to interfere with those. Supplements like Ashwagandha and Magnesium can help with sleep.
Turmeric and Curcumin help with inflammation. Keep colds and flu away with honey in your green tea. Zunc keeps colds and flu at bay. A Multivitamin tailored to your age and group will keep your numbers up so your body can fight off viruses that cause colds, flu, and other illnesses. PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ADD OR TAKE AWAY ANY OF YOUR MEDICATIONS.
Take up. New hobby, buy yourself a new dress or a new tie. You cannot buy happiness, but a great new dress that doesn't have to be expensive can make you feel confident and help you feel great about yourself.
I WISH EACH OF YOU A GLORIOUS AND SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASON...🥰🥰🥰
