1. Eat Better, Move More to Feel Better
Ah, the Holiday Food Season: It starts with fistfuls of Halloween candy, rambles on through the Thanksgiving gorge-fest and plows straight into the cookies-cakes-and-pies portion of the year.
By the time January rolls around, many of us are rolling into the new year having eaten more than our share. Then come the resolutions, the purchases of fitness equipment, etc. Predictable as a sitcom plot.
What if this year you rewrite the script? What if you make “moderation” your watchword and “good for my body” your top priority, foodwise?
You don’t need to go on a drastic diet, tally up “good fats,” “bad fats,” “carb loads” or any of that. Just focus on—wait for it—eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full. In other words, listen to your body.
And if your body is saying “I’m tired. I’m cranky. I wanna lie in a fetal position and binge-watch something,” try this: Get up, take a few deep breaths, and move around. Yes, sometimes that woozy, drowsy feeling can be your body telling you it needs some oxygen.
Now that you’re standing up, go do something. That screen will be there when you return.
2. Keep Your Spirits Up
Managing your mental health is a year-round project. And what works in July may not cut it in the cold, dark winter months. Shorter days, gloomy skies, and holiday stress can combine to do a number on your mood, leading to seasonal blues, or something more severe.
How to keep an even keel? Experts say one key is to know yourself. Don’t commit to doing more than you’re able to—even if it means having to turn down a request or invitation. Take time for downtime, giving yourself a chance to rest and breathe between activities.
For many people, spending time outdoors is a natural antidepressant. Listen to music, sing, dance, make art—do the things that bring you happiness, and make you you.
And let’s not forget what the great philosopher Bueller observed about life: If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
3. Know How to Get Help
Anything from a seasonal illness to a household accident can cause you to seek medical care. In the heat of the moment, knowing what to do can be a challenge. PacificSource members have a number of options to get care.
Often your best first call is an actual phone call. For many situations, your doctor’s office can provide help, or direct you to appropriate care—even after regular business hours.
PacificSource members can speak to a Registered Nurse by phone, any time, day or night. The number to call is (855) 834-6150 (TTY: (844) 514-3774). This is a free service, and the nurse can help you determine the next step.
If you know you need in-person help but the situation isn’t life-threatening, consider visiting an Urgent Care facility. Examples include bad coughs, sinus or ear infections, or bad bruises, burns, or dislocations.
In case of true medical emergency (trouble breathing, chest pain, severe head injury), go to the nearest emergency room, and in a life-threatening situation, call 911.
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