Announcements

December is a time for family and faith, with holidays including:

• 6: Saint Nicholas Day, a Christian holiday that honors the birth of the 4th-century bishop

• 21: Winter Solstice, an Indigenous Peoples holiday, and Yule, a Wiccan holiday 

• 25: Christmas Day, a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ 

• 25–January 2, 2025: Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday 

• 26–January 1, 2025: Kwanzaa, a Pan-African cultural observance 

But it can also be a stressful time for many! Here are some tips for self-care this season from:

www.lexipol.com

The holidays can be magical. They can also be stressful. As a first responder, you owe it to yourself to make it work for you.

1. Talk.  You can’t carry the weight all by yourself and you don’t have to.

2. Accept your limitations. You are not invincible. You, like everyone else, will make mistakes. You must rest, recharge, and center yourself, and then do your best.

3. Meditate. Even taking two minutes of quiet time can make a big difference in helping you to stop and take a step back. Other options include yoga and deep breathing.

4. Exercise. Lift weights, do some push-ups, run outdoors or on a treadmill, hit the heavy bag, stretch, go for a walk—just do something. If you don’t have the time, make time.

5. Sleep. Easier said than done, but sleep is restorative and promotes both physical and mental health. Ideally, you should try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per cycle.

6. Hydrate. That means cutting back on the high-caffeine power drinks and caloric sodas. Water is an optimal choice, and you can flavor it with sliced fruit or cucumbers.

7. Tap into the power of pets. Research has consistently shown that the mere act of petting an animal can reduce stress and blood pressure and improve mood.

8. Reconnect. Take time to spend with your family and reconnect with them. They need you as much as you need them to get through this.

9. Take breaks from the news. Step back, turn off the TV, put down the phone and disconnect from the world to avoid negative news.

10. Talk to a professional. If you find yourself unable to talk with friends or family or simply want to seek out greater peace in your life, make an appointment with a therapist.

May you have a blessed and restful holiday season.

Stay Safe,

Chaplain Sean Gartland (262) 352-9805