By Mary Parker Draper, Extension Agent – Smith County
“Hustle and bustle” can describe the holiday season for many. Gifts to purchase and wrap, decorations to put up, remembering to move the elf, activities to plan, and dinners to cook. It can be overwhelming at times.
“Is the cup half empty or half full?” is a common expression generally used to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for pessimism (half empty) or optimism (half full). So, how’s your cup? Feeling half empty? Getting close to the end? The holidays can be a stressful time, and many people can find themselves in a place of that half-empty feeling.
Self-care is an important step in our health management practice. Self-care is more than an occasional treat; it’s a way of living each day that incorporates practices and behaviors that help you feel refreshed, re-energized, and rested. Self-care helps you deal with the daily stresses in your life. Everyone deals with stress differently, and everyone’s preference for practicing self-care is different, as well.
This holiday season, be mindful of your self-care practices. Building yourself a self-care snowman (adapted from mentalhealthfirstaid.org) is a great way to start your self-care journey and refill your cup! Here are a few ideas on how to practice self-care during the holiday season.
• Don’t freeze people out. Spend time with people who love and care for you.
• Break out in a snowball fight. Take time to exercise even if it’s indoors using paper as snowballs.
• Chill out. Avoid overbooking yourself and don’t feel guilty about making time for self-care.
• Get cozy. Sleep is important, so make sure you’re getting enough of it (but don’t hibernate).
• Moderate the merriment. Make a plan to enjoy the special foods and treats around the holidays, while balancing them with healthy eating.
Have a happy, healthy holiday! Remember to take time for yourself as well as your loved ones. For more information on this or other Family and Consumer Sciences topics contact Mary Parker Draper at the Extension Office at 615-735-2900.
Sweet Potato Casserole
2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 stick butter, melted
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients and pour into dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. For topping, combine 3/4 cup crushed corn flakes, 1/2 cup nuts, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup butter. Mix and spread over baked casserole and return to 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Submitted by Gale Burns, Carthage FCE Club.
