Dr. Gibson recommends several strategies to help young children manage anxiety and excitement at bedtime during the Christmas season. For younger children, he suggests a calming pre-sleep routine that includes activities such as taking a bath, listening to gentle music, reading or selecting soothing bedtime stories. He also advises parents to acknowledge their child's excitement and remind them that getting a good night's sleep will help them have a better Christmas experience. For older children, Dr. Gibson recommends practicing mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises and visualizing calm places before sleep. Additionally, he suggests creating an open space for discussion about any worries or concerns the child may have, and using a "worry box" to write down their concerns overnight and discuss them in the morning. In terms of snacks, Dr. Gibson advises against giving children sugary treats close to bedtime, instead recommending a snack consisting of fruit, dairy, protein or fat about an hour before sleep, such as oatmeal with Greek yoghurt or cheese and crackers.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14220739/sleep-expert-children-fall-asleep-christmas-eve.htmlDr Max suggests that instead of focusing on New Year's resolutions for change, people should reflect on the positive experiences they had throughout the year. This practice, known as "gratitude therapy," is a part of the branch of psychotherapy called "positive psychology." It involves identifying things to be grateful for and has been shown in numerous studies to have a strong association with long-term mental wellbeing. By focusing on the positive, individuals can reduce negative emotions such as anger and frustration, and even strengthen their social connections by expressing gratitude to those around them.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14219273/DR-MAX-PEMBERTON-minute-trick-promise-change-life.htmlBrook Choulet, a concierge sports and performance psychiatrist, recommends taking intentional breaks during the holiday season to stay centered. She suggests scheduling micro-breaks of 15 minutes or less to do something enjoyable, such as taking a walk, having a phone call with a friend, or taking an uninterrupted bath. Additionally, Katherine Roth advises being prepared for potentially uncomfortable conversations by thinking ahead and preparing lines to end or shift the conversation in another direction.
https://apnews.com/article/tips-enjoy-holiday-reduce-stress-entertaining-45137fad12d5fc1e3f79c6e6efe1d67cMelissa Karp, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, suggests adopting a "pendulum lifestyle" to navigate life's ebbs and flows. This approach involves regularly checking in with oneself to assess emotional, physical, and mental well-being, making necessary adjustments, being compassionate when feeling off-balance, and understanding the factors that contribute to balance or imbalance. By tuning into one's needs and those of others, individuals can adopt a tailored approach to achieve optimal balance.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/pendulum-lifestyle-could-key-juggling-daily-challengesDementia patients and their caregivers can make the holiday season less stressful by following several expert tips. Jessica Corona-Irwin, a registered nurse and certified dementia practitioner at Remo Health, recommends preparing family and friends in advance about any changes in the loved one's behavior, memory or communication prior to holiday gatherings. She also suggests staying as consistent as possible with daily routines such as meal times and bedtimes, simplifying the environment by sticking to familiar decorations and activities, communicating clearly and patiently, embracing familiar traditions, providing a calm space, prioritizing self-care for caregivers, choosing thoughtful gifts, swapping the TV for music, and validating their feelings.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/10-tips-dementia-caregivers-make-holidays-less-stressful-more-enjoyablePriyanka Chopra has revealed how learning Tai Chi for her film Don transformed her mentally. She credits the martial art form with promoting deep relaxation, reducing stress levels, and improving focus and concentration. Regular practice of Tai Chi has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and increase self-awareness by encouraging an inward focus.
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness-priyanka-chopra-reveals-how-learning-tai-chi-for-don-transformed-her-mentally-9157949.htmlThe article discusses phrases and habits that can help individuals cultivate mental strength. It cites the importance of using powerful language to raise mentally strong children, such as parents who use phrases like "I can" instead of "I don't know if I can." The article also mentions that people who are mentally strong often focus on what they can control, rather than trying to change others or external circumstances.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/15/phrases-to-spark-happiness-in-tough-times-mental-strength-expert.htmlThe Missouri Department of Mental Health and Century Farm by the Lake hosted a sound bath and meditation session in the Capitol Rotunda, attracting over 250 people. The event aimed to promote mental well-being and relaxation during the holiday season. The event was organized by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Century Farm by the Lake, and it offered participants an opportunity to relax and focus on their mental health through sound bath and meditation techniques.
A recent article highlights several strategies for maintaining good mental health, including spending time outdoors during the day to expose oneself to natural light. Regular exercise is also recommended as it boosts endorphins and energy levels. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is essential, as well as establishing a consistent sleep routine. Additionally, staying socially connected can improve mood and motivation.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/do-uae-residents-feel-happier-during-winter-experts-explain-how-weather-affects-mood