To many, the holidays create positive feelings of peace, love and joy as this time of year brings you together to connect and celebrate with your community and loved ones. However, like most things in life, there is some “bad” that comes with the good. Things around us can have a negative impact on our mental health during the holidays. But sometimes, taking a moment for ourselves can have a big impact.
Whether you struggle with feelings of isolation or simply feel overwhelmed by a big “to-do” list, the stress of the holidays can be quite a strain on your wellbeing. Managing your stress in a healthy way can help you feel more calm, peaceful and overall happier. Here are some “gift” ideas that you can give yourself to promote mindfulness during the holidays.
Classes
- Cooking
- Building
- Specialty – Professional and personal growth can support mental health around success, achievement and growth.
- Exercise
- Creative Arts – Creativity fuels a healthy mind through play and curiosity.
Food
- Fruit Basket – Fruit has essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals that support improved mental wellbeing.
- Chocolates
- Coffee Beans
- Meat/Eggs – Studies show how that amino acids, found in eggs, fish, beef, pork, poultry, and whole sources of soy, can improve symptoms of depression.
- Local Produce Gift Card
Experiences
- Concert Tickets – Music support emotional processing which can positively impact grief, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
- Movie/Show Gift Card
- Summer Camp – Socialization and community are important components of a well-balanced mental and emotional life.
- Sporting Event Tickets
Memberships
- Gym – Movement can increase the feel-good hormones in the mind and body that impact depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
- Museums
- National/state Forest –The term “nature is medicine” summarizes a very important factor that fresh air can truly heal and help.
- Theme Park
- Zoo
Time
- Babysitting
- Car Wash
- House Cleaning – A clutter free and clean home environment has been shown to improve mental health.
- Yard Service
- Date Night – One on one time is very important to developing a healthy and happy connection with your loved ones.
Care you will love.
First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!
