The Gift of Health Is a Gift of Wealth

By Dr. Coleen Andruss, Healthy Lifestyles

To be healthy is to be healthy physically, medically, financially, mentally, and emotionally. The benefits of good health are allencompassing, especially around the holiday season when life becomes stressful and sometimes overwhelming. We are people pleasers, and the stress of making sure everything is perfect can be more than one can handle at times. Let’s reflect on the many benefits of being healthy as we go into this holiday season.

The Gift of H-E-A-L-T-H

"H" is for the Holy One, hope, the herald angels ushering in the birth of Christ, which gives us peace as we enter into this stressful holiday time. Don’t forget about the true meaning of the season. "H" is also for home and family, holiday eating, ham, hot chocolate, the holly, the ho-ho-ho, and the hugs that come with family time. The healing of this time together is priceless, but the idea of all of the family under one roof during the holidays can be demanding and overwhelming. Family dynamics and the logistics of it all can be tough. Decrease the stress by thinking about expectations beforehand so that it doesn’t catch you off guard. Maintain boundaries. Have fun, and don’t feel like you have to be perfect.

"E" is for the Epiphany and the Emmanuel, which are comforting as we enter the holiday season. However, entertaining, evenings, excitement, eggnog, eating, and all of the events can be everything but comforting. Getting ready for the holidays and planning all of the excitement for everyone doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Don’t overdo it. We have been conditioned around the holidays to go all out with gifts and with food. This is a toxic way of thinking and stressful in so many ways. We must be reasonable and sensible about how we plan. Budget and stick to it. E is also for exercise. Decrease stress by staying consistent with activity and sleep, despite the busy time of the season.

"A" is for the Advent season, with the visions of angels in our head. Don’t let the stressful anticipation of the season, the decorating, and the planning get in the way of relaxing and enjoying the aromas of the holiday season. Act with a generous heart, and allow yourself to appreciate the assemblance for which you have prepared. All is calm and all is bright.

"L" is for the Lamb of God, love, Christmas lights, yule logs, loved ones, libations, letters to Santa, and the potential lump of coal in your stocking. The long lists of projects and tasks that need to be done can be daunting. Let your love flow, and don’t get caught up with the little things. Relax and listen to the “Little Drummer Boy” and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” while watching nine ladies dancing and ten lords a-leaping. Enjoy the laughter with your loved ones, and make this holiday season stress free.

"T" is for the three kings of orient and the twinkling star signifying the birth of Jesus. Toboggans, trinkets, toys, tree trimming, trumpets, and tinsel are all traditions that we enjoy. Remember the thoughtfulness and thankfulness rather than the stress these traditions can sometimes put on us. Take time off, and take a deep breath.

"H" is for hymns of joy and the heavenly host singing hallelujahs at this wonderful season. Be happy, humble, hospitable, and helpful around this hustle and bustle time. Stay healthy by eating clean, exercising, getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and most importantly, minimizing stress. Stress raises cortisol, which causes an increase in belly fat, slowing of metabolism, inflammation, cravings, and metabolic imbalance. Stress affects every function in our bodies.

The benefits of HEALTH are immense. Let’s go into the holidays more relaxed, less stressed, and enjoying every moment of the season.

Here’s to health and happy holidays!

About the Author

Dr. Coleen Andruss

Dr. Coleen Andruss practiced as an internist for ten years and has specialized in weight management for twenty-six years. She and her staff have personally experienced weight management issues and have a compassionate understanding of patients in the Healthy Lifestyles program. Dr. Andruss’s internal medicine background helps her to see underlying medical problems when formulating individual plans that work.