Wellness Tips to Prepare for a Healthy Holiday Season

The end of the year is typically a busy time with a flurry of activities. As we end 2022 and celebrate the holiday season, we need to also take time to acknowledge that this time of year can be stressful and sad, especially for those who are experiencing hardships or the loss of loved ones. At Gilbane Building Company, wellbeing includes physical, mental, emotional, financial, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual health.  Additionally, December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month.  Seasonal depression may affect 11 million people in the U.S. each year, and 25 million more may have a milder form called the winter blues.

Here are some tips to help you manage seasonal sadness:

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day, most days a week
• Expose yourself to light by getting outside daily or sitting by a window

Try a “To-don’t” list this Holiday Season

The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. Make sure you find activities that you enjoy and that work for you.  Instead of another “to-do” list, make a goal to check these stress relievers off with a “to-don’t” list.

1. Don’t attend a party or personal commitment you’re not excited to about or doesn’t provide value
2. Don’t turn on the TV., instead talk with family or friends, read a book or take a long bath
3. Don’t do holiday traditions that bring more stress than joy.  (Example: sending cards, putting up lights, baking cookies)
4. Don’t compare your efforts to neighbors, friends, or family members
5. Don’t use social media for a day. You’re in control of your thoughts for the day
6. Don’t feel obligated to try every holiday treat/drink offered to you
7. Don’t neglect self-care. Do what makes you feel best
8. Don’t buy things you don’t need

Healthy resources during the holidays

Mental health plays an important role in how we think, feel, act and relate to others, including our emotional and psychological well-being. It also impacts how we deal with stress and make choices that influence other aspects of our lives. We are a family company and treat all employees like family. In that spirit what can we do to help prevent suicide?  We must all learn the warning signs. I penned a blog on Working Together to Prevent Suicide, which details warning signs you should watch out for so you can help prevent suicide and save lives. We also published a blog on ways to be mindful of your mental health.

Please help promote awareness and keep a careful eye out for the warning signs. If you think someone you work with or someone at home may be suicidal, we urge you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the new 988 crisis hotline (it is the equivalent of 911 but for mental health).  Find more information at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

From our Gilbane family to yours, Happy Holidays and warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyous New Year!  We will be back with our next blog post in January 2023.