November 22, 2016 - This is the time of the year we all begin to think back on things that remind us of the holidays. We remember old friends, old times, and holidays past. For some, the holidays bring about depression and sadness. We have a choice of how we feel. Whether you are happy or sad over the holidays is a choice that you make.
I want to give you some biblical tips today on how to improve your holidays mood. If you follow these basic rules, no matter what has been going on in your life, it will improve your outlook and mood as well as bring back the joy of the season.
1) Volunteer. When we spend our time doing something productive it keeps us from focusing on our self and the problems that we are having. It also gets us involved with other people, and we develop new relationships that can help us overcome loneliness and depression. Our time is one of the greatest gifts we can give. So don't be stingy with it. It will lift your spirits as well as those you help.
2) Do random acts of kindness. Pay for a strangers meal without them knowing it. Help an elderly person with their groceries. Hold the door open for someone. It doesn't take much sometimes to get a smile from someone or make their day. Kindness is a fruit of the spirit that we can all share with others.
3) Do something for someone who you know cannot repay you for what you have done. Anyone will do something for a person that can do something for them in return, but a true act of kindness is when you do something for someone who can't pay you back. Your joy will be much greater because it is truly a selfless act.
4) Sing. That's right, I said sing. Belt one out! Sing loud. Sing like you can. When we sing with reckless abandon, it releases some chemicals in our bodies that make us feel good and improve our mood. Sing a song that makes you happy and reminds you how blessed you really are. When I was injured in a car accident and was lying on a gurney in the ER my oldest daughter held my hand and we began to sing "Amazing Grace" right there in the ER. For that time, I could not think of what just happened, but how blessed I was to have my family and friends with me .
5) Laugh. A good belly laugh produces those same chemicals that make you feel good. It is true that "Laughter is the best medicine." All the people that I have cared for in my years practicing medicine that live to be 100 or older, have been happy people. So laugh loud, often, and with reckless abandon. It will add years to your life as well as life to your years.
6) Count Your Blessings. When you focus on how many things you have to be thankful for, you can see just how blessed you have been in life. We are blessed to just be a citizen in the United States, where we still have the freedom to worship God without fear of persecution. Counting our blessings brings joy and peace to our lives as well as driving away depression and anxiety.
God has given us a prescription for the holiday blues and this is it: "Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are trustworthy, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--- meditate on these things." Do these things and your blues will turn into smiles and your depression will turn to joy. Follow Gods prescription for the holidays and have a happy holiday.
I'm Just Sayin
Mike Belgard
