One of my friends asked me to write an essay on Wellness at Christmas. Hmm, never thought about that one before, but here goes...
When I think of Wellness these days, I think in terms of the Relational, Emotional/mental, Physical, and Spiritual (REPS) wellness. Clearly the true MEANING of Christmas is founded on the SPIRITUAL aspect of health. In my view, if we miss THAT aspect, the rest are nothing. Really, think about it. "What does it profit a person to have a tremendous Christmas holiday and lose her own soul? Or what will a person give for a soul?" to paraphrase Matt 16:26.
So, assuming we have a clear, heart-centered Spiritual view of Christmas, and we DON'T lose it, we can look at the other aspects. So, let's start with Relational wellness. So how's your relationships with family? Often these folks are the toughest to love, in part because we have little options here. Do NOT let bitterness or grudges from the past ruin your relationships or your Christmas. Ask G^d to help you forgive and take action to LOVE the offender!
Emotional/mental wellness means that we are careful of our attitudes and activities. Being aware of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression (S.A.D.ness) in ourselves is key to being healthy. Stress is part of life, but HOW we deal with stress is crucial. Anxiety is ubiquitous, but G^d's word has a LOT to say about this. Take a look at the Bible. And, be on guard for depression. Depression, for many, can be common during these holidays. Regrets, losses, things missing from the past, all can lead us into depression. Beware and seek help if needed. Keeping EXERCISE in our lives can be an effective means for combating stress and burning off some of those extra calories ingested.
Physical health can take a beating during most US holidays. Our tendency at Christmas is to over-eat those delicious treats. It has been suggested that US folk gain about 2 pounds each major holiday, leading to a gain of 6 pounds a year if unchecked. So, in 10 years, we have gained 60 pounds! Wow! So, do NOT deny yourself treats, just be judicious, and think about how many more miles you will have to walk to make up for that fruitcake!
So, set your mind to make Christmas a GREAT celebration of the Christ, and, at the same time, use this time to HELP your REPS, not hurt these aspects of wellness!
Enjoy the Holidays, healthily!
When I think of Wellness these days, I think in terms of the Relational, Emotional/mental, Physical, and Spiritual (REPS) wellness. Clearly the true MEANING of Christmas is founded on the SPIRITUAL aspect of health. In my view, if we miss THAT aspect, the rest are nothing. Really, think about it. "What does it profit a person to have a tremendous Christmas holiday and lose her own soul? Or what will a person give for a soul?" to paraphrase Matt 16:26.
So, assuming we have a clear, heart-centered Spiritual view of Christmas, and we DON'T lose it, we can look at the other aspects. So, let's start with Relational wellness. So how's your relationships with family? Often these folks are the toughest to love, in part because we have little options here. Do NOT let bitterness or grudges from the past ruin your relationships or your Christmas. Ask G^d to help you forgive and take action to LOVE the offender!
Emotional/mental wellness means that we are careful of our attitudes and activities. Being aware of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression (S.A.D.ness) in ourselves is key to being healthy. Stress is part of life, but HOW we deal with stress is crucial. Anxiety is ubiquitous, but G^d's word has a LOT to say about this. Take a look at the Bible. And, be on guard for depression. Depression, for many, can be common during these holidays. Regrets, losses, things missing from the past, all can lead us into depression. Beware and seek help if needed. Keeping EXERCISE in our lives can be an effective means for combating stress and burning off some of those extra calories ingested.
Physical health can take a beating during most US holidays. Our tendency at Christmas is to over-eat those delicious treats. It has been suggested that US folk gain about 2 pounds each major holiday, leading to a gain of 6 pounds a year if unchecked. So, in 10 years, we have gained 60 pounds! Wow! So, do NOT deny yourself treats, just be judicious, and think about how many more miles you will have to walk to make up for that fruitcake!
So, set your mind to make Christmas a GREAT celebration of the Christ, and, at the same time, use this time to HELP your REPS, not hurt these aspects of wellness!
Enjoy the Holidays, healthily!
No comments:
Post a Comment