It’s that time of year to share my five tips for spreading Christmas Cheer that will make you and your friends happy. Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Whichever greeting you prefer to use, it is the season for celebrating the special things in life: family, friends, good health, food in our belly and a warm and safe place to call home. It’s what we all want, and what everyone deserves. However, not everyone has the luxury to enjoy it all. With that in mind, here are suggestions to spread the Christmas cheer that are also good for your health:
Give Hugs
Not only do hugs feel good, but it is also medically proven that hugs reduce stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. They are perfect for giving and receiving.
Socialize
The holiday season is not the time of year to hide away. Interacting with others lightens your mood and feelings of depression may decrease. Also, socialization may help you reinforce your immune system. Make coffee dates or go window shopping. Invite friends over to watch Christmas movies. My first pick is The Santa Clause followed by The Family Stone.
Sing
Break out the book of Christmas carols! Singing improves your posture, is a natural anti-depressant, lowers stress levels, strengthens your immune system and improve mental alertness. Get some friends together, bundle up and go caroling!
Send Christmas Cards
Give someone that warm and fuzzy feeling by letting them know you are thinking of them. Taking the time to write a short note on a card lets friends near and far know that they are not forgotten.
Donate
Studies have shown that there are health benefits associated with giving: lowered blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression, lowered stress levels, and happiness. Christmas is the perfect time to support local charities, especially food banks and community outreach. Our family agrees that we don’t need any gifts for Christmas. Instead, we donate to a local charity that will give Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. Give the gift of life by donating blood. Each donation can help up to 3 people.
