How to Have a Healthy Holiday (And Spread a Little Cheer at the Same Time!)

Do you get stressed out during the Holidays?  Run around like a maniac?  Pound Peppermint Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes for the instant energy boost?  Scoff down fast food 'cuz that's all you have time for? 

Yeah, you're not alone. Lots of people are running around doing the exact same things.  You can tell by the dark circles under their eyes from the lack of sleep and the irritability from the post-latte sugar crash.  They feel like crap...just like you do.  And when ya feel like crap, ya get grouchy.  (Or at least I certainly do!)

Have no fear, Lovelies.  I've got an easy-breezy solution to get rid of that stressed out, irritable feeling.  And it's easy.  Like, super easy.   

It has to do with Random Acts of Kindness.  I know what you're thinking, "Who has time for that this time of year?  My whole problem is that I've got too much to do and you're giving me ONE MORE THING?? ARRRRGGGGG!!!" 

Take a breath. 

I promise. It takes hardly any time, and the payoff will tame your inner beast and make your friends and neighbors feel good too.  Win win!

It's proven by science!*   Being kind can:

• Foster feelings of happiness
• Promote empathy and compassion
• Make you feel connected to other human beings
• Reduce stress
• Boost your immune system 
• Encourage others to be kind
• Lessen pain

So here it is.  All you gotta do is this:  

Print out this calendar (or make one of your own, using ideas that float your boat and make your heart smile) and make an X whenever you complete an Act of Kindness.  One a day, two a day...in order, out of order...whatever works for your schedule and doesn't stress you out.  ('Cuz that would be totally counterproductive...) 

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/15edJYxTBjh0Eq2Ol2wJWEdyWDhPqn7LI4QqhdcAAbM/edit?usp=sharing 

Give it a try.  Find some extra happiness and health during this Holiday Season.  Spread the love.  

Happy Holidays!

Hugs!

Dorothy

P.S.

*Hey Health Nerds!  For more about how Random Acts of Kindness can boost your health, see: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/201711/why-random-acts-kindness-matter-your-wellbeing

P.P.S
Sorry about the random largeness of the calendar.  It was either too tiny to read, or it overlapped the page.  As one who has trouble seeing the fine print, I went for the ridiculously large version that over-extended the page...