Baby It may be Cold Outside, But We Can Still Stay Healthy Inside

It is that time of year where the weather is dropping and the holidays are beginning. It can be a very exciting time of the year to be preparing for holiday parties, decorating, and buying presents or it can be incredibly stressful. This year more than ever, it may be very difficult for people with not being able to see family or it may be more of a financial struggle than usual, but we want to make sure you can still enjoy your holidays whilst staying safe. What exactly does this mean? Well, below are some tips I have for you to keep yourself safe and those around you.

1. SELF CARE, SELF CARE, SELF CARE! Now yes this may be easier said than done because many essential workers are hustling and bustling to take care of us, but it is still incredibly important for all of us to take care of our own mental health. This can be taking a bath, going for a walk, reading a book, listening to music, or whatever helps you wind down. No matter what position you are in right now, it is still important to take at least 5 minutes out of your day for you. It could even be on a quick water break if that is all you have.
2. Gratitude. This may be challenging especially with this year, but finding even small things you are grateful for can really help your overall mood and positivity. Something as small as "I am grateful for my favourite sweater" is still something that makes you happy. Write it down and reflect on where you are right now.
3. Coping. Many people are dealing with financial troubles, stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Find healthy ways to cope with these feelings such as video calling family or friends, using self-care tips above, or reaching out for help from a professional if you are feeling hopeless are all great options. Sometimes with holidays or stressful situations, people may turn to more unhealthy options such as alcohol products to help wind down. While this may help you feel relaxed at first, it can cause many long-term healthy conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, digestive problems, weakening the immune system, cancer, and mental health disorders. If you need more ideas to help cope in healthy ways, please reach out to us or this website for a variety of options in Manitoba.
4. Exercise. There are still many free apps such as Nike Run Club, Aaptiv, or FitOn to help you stay healthy indoors or it is always free to go for a walk, hike, run, bike ride, or ski in the neighbourhood. Exercise can help with stress, decrease risk of heart disease, lower risk of osteoporosis and a variety of other benefits. Try to add this to your holiday routine this year to come out in 2021 feeling great!
5. Virtual celebrations. It is important to stay connected despite restrictions which I know you have heard time and time again, but I just wanted to remind you one more time. Reach out to friends and family or even reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while to catch up. Celebrate the good things together and be there for one another through the struggle. We will all get through this together.

Now this was just a short list of tips to help you through a pandemic holiday season but please connect with us on social media or email us for more tips. We know that the "quarantine fatigue" is real and we are feeling it too, but hang in there because there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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-GC Family