LIFE, HEALTH & HAPPINESS FOR NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 6 • DECEMBER 2015
Important Things To Remember MEET THE AUTHOR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 12-2pm The Oak Harbor Senior is pleased to present local author Avis Rector for a signing of her newly released book, Pauline. “Faced with the hardships of the 1930’s, Pauline and Fred come from Michigan to Whidbey Island. The young couple arrives in 1934 as the construction of the Deception Pass Bridge begins. Embraced by new friends in the farming community of Cornet, they work to make a new home while surviving disasters and adapting to the adventures of rural life”. Whidbey Island has been home to Avis Rector all her life. She and her husband, both retired teachers, enjoy life on their cattle farm. Gardening and walks on the beach are her favorite hobbies.
NEW CLASS OFFERING:
BEGINNING FABRIC APPLIQUE
WITH JACEE STADLER MONDAYS IN JANUARY, 9am-noon Appliqué is a method of hand-stitching fabrics together to create dimensional designs on a background fabric. If you have always wanted to learn appliqué but it seemed too complicated, this class is for you! In this introductory class Jacee will begin with a basic technique. Along the way, you will learn some tips to make your applique successful, enjoyable and relaxing. It can be very useful to learn how to hand appliqué as a quilter and the skill will open up design possibilities in your work. There is no fee for the class, but preregistration is requested. Call the Senior Center at 279-4580 to reserve your spot. Please bring a size 10 applique needle and scissors to class. Other materials will be provided. FYI continued on page 2
HOW TO KEEP THE “HAPPY” IN HAPPY HOLIDAYS
The holiday season can be filled with joy…or not. The season is full of goodwill and optimistic hope for the coming year. When we find ourselves doubting brotherly love or having negative thoughts about the coming year, we may feel out of step with those around us.
All of this togetherness can be great…or not. We attend all kinds of celebrations that include family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or those within our congregations. Some of us are happier enjoying the season with just our spouse, or children, or a few close friends.
It is not unusual to feel blue, lonely, or stressed from time to time during this season. Families and friends getting together can bring back memories of our loved ones that have passed away, require last minute preparations, remind us of relationships that need mending, and thoughts of the days of yore. Here are some simple ways to avoid the blues during the holidays:
• Keep your normal routine. This includes getting enough sleep and exercise, eating at regular times in normal amounts, continuing with everyday activities and appointments, taking medications, and not drinking too much. • Spend time with people who are supportive and care about you. Remember you are not alone… call or visit a friend. • Keep expectations manageable…don’t try to make this the “best holiday ever”. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Pace yourself, organize your time. Make a list and prioritize activities. Limit your holiday spending. • Take time for yourself – nurture your spirit. • Keep things simple. • Do something for someone else. Let others know you care. • Enjoy the outdoors. • Do activities you enjoy.
What if the blues feel more like depression? Then you may be experiencing the “holiday blues” which can mimic depression if during this season. You may find yourself sleeping more or less than usual, more than normal weight gain or loss, being agitated or anxious, feeling excessive or inappropriate guilt, less than normal ability to think clearly or having decreased pleasure in things you usually enjoy. This may be intense and upsetting for you. Some causes for the holiday blues can be fatigue, stress, interruption of normal routines, not being with your family, and lack of emphasis on the meaning of the holidays. However, the good news is they may only last a few days. In some cases, the holiday blues may be with you for a couple of weeks prior to or after the holidays. Follow these do’s and don’ts to manage holiday blues: • Do let go of the past and create new or different ways to celebrate. • Do allow yourself to feel sad or lonely – these are normal feelings. • Do enjoy activities that are free. • Do focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. • Do spend time with people who care about you. • Don’t have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. • DO TREAT YOURSELF AS A SPECIAL HOLIDAY GUEST. Finally, you have people around you to listen. Find someone to talk with about what you are thinking and feeling – a family member, a friend, or someone in your faith community. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” is certainly true when we think about the holiday blues. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
INSIDE THIS EDITION Health Matters...............Pg. 2 Travel...........................Pg. 3 Calendar.......................Pg. 4 Giving Back...................Pg. 5 Sudoku..........................Pg. 5 Activities & Events...........Pg. 6 Library Events.................Pg. 7 Menu............................Pg. 7 Word Search.................Pg. 8