Mental Health Column By Brad Ridenour
CEO of Clark Community Mental Health Center and a Licensed Professional Counselor
Christmas Confession
I
think readers need to know something about me. I have a confession to make; it feels so embarrassing. Woah …. This is more difficult than I thought it would be. When I am away from home on business trips, and I am alone in my hotel room I turn on the TV and watch ……… Hallmark Christmas movies during the season. (And, my wife becomes so irritated when she turns the same movie on expecting me to watch it with her and I tell her I already watched it.) To make this holiday season the best time of the year you may plan to spend time with family, sing Christmas carols in your matching
CC
Christmas PJs while ringing the Salvation Army bell, or watch all 72 of the new Hallmark Christmas movies that essentially have one plot and the same 23 actors/actresses and always end with a kiss. But of all the holiday plans we will participate in during this season, the activity that might most contribute to making it truly “the hap... happiest time of the year” is our giving.
one’s mental health and well-being. When you give of your time, talents and/or treasure to others the part of your brain associated with pleasure begins to activate, and there is evidence that suggests that giving leads to the release of “feel good” chemicals in our brains that literally, biologically can lead to the sensation of a “warm glow.” Giving to others can truly cause one to give happiness to oneself.
During the Christmas season, we often think about giving gifts to others. Our hearts become warmed when we see the expression of joy on others’ faces when they open our neatly wrapped gifts. Giving is proven to improve
So, about my earlier Christmas movie disclosure, consider it my early Christmas gift. I hope it put a smile on your face, but let’s be sure to keep it a secret. Confession is good for the soul but maybe not so much for the reputation.
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