Healthy holiday spirit

When the holiday season rolls around, it’s hard to argue the positive impact of a warm, giving spirit on our wellbeing, yet throughout the year, we continue to struggle with the idea of giving to others to protect our mental health. And though much is written on balancing the competing demands of our busy lives, many of us feel disconnected from the people that fill our lives with demands. Time, we say, is what we really need to reconnect. If only we had more…

So in the absence of more time, we ask: can helping others really help us? According to Dr. Gene Flessati (and a body of scientific research backing him), the answer is yes:

“Contributing to ones’ community, whether in small ways - shovelling a neighbour’s walk, smiling at a stranger - or more formally, has the effect of increasing emotional well being, making us feel more connected. Giving to others helps us to get out of our head and see the bigger picture, reminding us to be grateful about what we have in our own life.”

Feeling overwhelmed or out of touch? Read these 6 simple tips for holiday – and everyday – mental health:

S – Spirit - a (giving, thoughtful) “holiday” spirit enables positive connections with others, boosting our sense of gratitude and emotional wellbeing.

P – Participate; whether in formal volunteerism or informal situations, individuals who consciously contribute feel a greater sense of personal value and meaning day to day.

I – Identify what is important to you, and work towards creating circumstances to nurture what you’ve identified. In our often hectic lives, it’s easy for us to lose sight of our personal values and goals.

R – Relate to others in a quality way, not through acts such as buying expensive presents, but though small acts that occur on a daily basis. Think about the individuals in your life, being consciously grateful for the ways they enhance your days.

I – Integrate physical activity into your routine. Increased happiness, decreased anxiety and depression, improved ability to cope with stress… through regular exercise you can reap these substantial mental health benefits.

T - “To have a friend, you have to be a friend”; Individuals in supportive relationships – whether with friends, families or partners - are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and more able to overcome such difficulties. These benefits come both from receiving support, and giving support. Remember, it’s the quality of relationship that’s important, not the absolute number of relationships.