A while back, we listed some low and no-cost ways to help boost holiday
happiness and health levels, here are a few tips to boost your overall well-being.

Many out there will think, the more presents I get or give, the happier I will be.

Well, according to alternative health therapists, that’s not true if true health
and happiness are what you’re really seeking and making a few small tweaks
to Christmas traditions can grant you big rewards for your well-being.

And to get those feelings of happiness and better health, just look below.

a) Foster Joy-
Get more joy by having a “Friendsgiving.”
You know, whether it’s time spent watching Netflix movies or sipping wine
and gossiping, being together with really good friends is a powerful mood booster.
Researchers say that face-to-face contact helps regulate levels of the hormone
cortisol, keeping mood-sapping stress in check. And if the friends are upbeat
and positive those vibes will rub off on you.

b) Say Hello-
To feel more cheery and upbeat, extend a hello or strike up a conversation
with someone on your daily walk or with someone in line at the grocery store.
Reaching out to people not only makes them feel good, it also does wonders
for your positivity and moods.

c) Take a Photo-
Thanks to the IPhone, we can all take photographs and if you want to
boost happiness levels this Christmas take photos of family, pets and
even the desserts.Taking photos and then discussing those photos
help you stay focused on positive things and make long-lasting memories.

d) Lower Stress Levels-
You may thing of all the gift wrapping and cooking you have to do and
that can increase stress levels. To tamp down the stress, do something repetitive
like peel potatoes or carrots. Doing tasks like these for mins. at a time, calms
the area of the brain responsible for stress.

2 more stress relievers-
Baking. Yes, the aromas, the mixing and measuring of the batter can actually lower
stress levels. Do this with friends or the kids and make it a fun-filled, stress-less
event.
Sing- Singing Christmas carols while baking or preparing the main meal
releases a flood of feel-good brain chemicals.
You get more joy from singing and not from listening to some of your favorite tunes.

e) Increase Longevity-
You may think that eating a certain type of diet and endless exercise is the only way
to increase longevity, but that’s not true, there’s also reminiscing.
Recalling past events and strolling down memory lane with friends and family can
increase positivity. Plus, happy hormones are released and these hormones can
extend your well-being and life.
Another longevity booster- Volunteering at a homeless or animal shelter,
visiting elderly people or donating food and clothes to the less fortunate.

f) Slim Down With Ease-
Eating a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas meal is not the time to think
about calories, but if it does concern you and you want to stay on track,
remember the “25 trick.”
What is it?
Chewing your food a minimum of 25 times and you’ll cut your risk of obesity
by 25%. Savoring and chewing each bite thoroughly prevents overeating and gives
your brain time to register a feeling of fullness, effortlessly dialing back calorie intake.
Another helpful tip:
Eat off of blue plates. Eating off of this colored plate helps you eat 35% fewer calories.

g) Boost Satisfaction-
Of the meal by closing your eyes and taking 3 deep breaths.
Doing this simple tip helps everything taste better.
Plus, a pre-meal pause and giving thanks also increases enjoyment of the meal.
Another tip to boost your own satisfaction- bring a small gift or a plate of goodies
to a relative, neighbor, or a shut-in.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Heath!

Sources:
* Journal Motivation
* Harvard University, Research Dept.
* University of Illinois, Research Dept.
* Journal of Behavioral Medicine
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