Happy Healthy Holidays from MHealthy
Give yourself a gift this holiday season! Try these simple strategies to bring out your very best, for yourself and those you love.
The Gift of Serenity: Just Breathe
Whenever you start to feel overwhelmed by your to-do list or your worries, a few deep breaths can steady and calm you. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, hold the breath for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat until you feel better!
Read more about breathing and relaxation exercises:
The Gift of Mindfulness: Be Aware
Being "mindful" means being truly aware of what is happening right now. The holiday season is full of wonderful sights, smells, sounds, and tastes, as well as special times with loved ones. Allow yourself to really notice whatever is pleasing to you, and give your full attention to these good things in the moment they are happening. Enjoy!
Being mindful also means being aware of your feelings, as they come up. Holidays can bring extreme highs and lows, sometimes even both at once. By being mindful of your emotions you will be better able to handle them in a thoughtful way rather than reacting abruptly, so your actions will be more healthy and kind both to yourself and those around you.
Read more about how mindfulness can help you fully enjoy the holidays:
More celebrations can also mean more alcohol and it's not always easy to know exactly how much you're drinking. Test your alcohol knowledge and find out how much alcohol is really in your holiday drink.
The Gift of Contentment: Be Grateful
The more you focus on and appreciate what is good in your life, the better you will feel. For an instant boost whenever you want one, just think of something or someone you are grateful for in your life. As you enjoy special holiday treats, take time to truly appreciate them, including how they look, smell, and taste–you'll enjoy them more and you'll also be less likely to overeat. At a holiday get-together, express your gratitude to a friend, coworker, or family member by thanking them for something they have done to help you, or telling them what you enjoy most about them. Be careful not to set unrealistically high holiday expectations, but rather do the best you can with the time, money, and circumstances you have, and try to truly appreciate it.
Read more about how to feel your best this holiday season:
Remember, you are always welcome to come in for a no cost, confidential meeting with one of our professional counselors who can listen to and help you with your concerns.
Health System Employees: Contact UMHS EAP at (734) 763-5409 or email eap@umich.edu
Campus Employees in Ann Arbor, Flint, or Dearborn: Contact FASAP at (734) 936-8660 or email fasap@umich.edu
