Health & Fitness ~ For your Mind, Body and Soul

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Family…Food…Laughter…Celebration!

By: Associate Pastor Tonya Weaver

FWM Mental Wealth Ministry Team

 

These are some of the common things we think of as the holidays approach. Now take a minute
and think of words that reflect the holidays for you.  The holidays are full of what to do, whether
it is planning the budget, making travel arrangements, preparing lists, sending cards, buying gifts, cooking and baking, or getting the house ready for family and “company.” Additionally, in the midst of all of this, we remember. We remember loved ones that are no longer present with us or relationships that are in a different space in our lives than before. With all of this taking place,
while everyone else seems “happy,” we may begin to feel “stressed,” “overwhelmed,” “sad,”
“anxious,” and even “lonely.” Please know that these feelings, which can be called the “holiday blues,” are real and can include: trouble concentrating, being irritable, low energy, changes in your eating habits, difficulty going or remaining asleep, struggles with concentrating, and fatigue that
is physical as well as mental. These feelings again are real but they do not have to remain. They do not have to have permanent residence in any of us. Let’s go on the journey to wellness and wholeness together by first allowing your soul to prosper as 3 John 2: 2 states “ Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Some strategies that assist in self- and soul care include:

                                                                             1. Give yourself grace
                                                                             2. Check in on yourself
                                                                             3. Create new memories

These can be starting points in overcoming these feelings during the holidays. The busy-ness of the holidays may remain but again these feelings do not have to. Support and resources are available through the Mental Wealth Ministry Team as well as calling or texting 988 if one is in crisis or in need of immediate help. You are not alone. Together, let’s learn about and share strategies for the upcoming holidays, and let’s connect and care!