Now that we are approaching the end of the holiday season, it is always important to remain grateful - especially for your mental health. Several sources, have identified why it is so important to have that attitude of gratitude and the number of benefits that it might lead to. I have listed 8 below. 

1. Gratitude can help build relationships. Thanking people leads to more ongoing and longer-lasting relationships. It can also build more opportunities in a work environment.

2. Gratitude can improve physical health. According to an article in Forbes, gratitude is proven to decrease aches and pains.

3. Gratitude will always improve mental health. Gratitude can help you to manage your emotions by increasing happiness and decreasing feelings of depression or sadness.

4. Gratitude can help you sleep better. As seen in the same article in Forbes, spending 15 minutes before bed can can help you sleep longer and better.

5. Gratitude improves self-esteem and self-confidence. Focusing more on others and being more appreciative actually takes the focus off of yourself which increases and builds self-confidence.

6. Gratitude increases your lifespan. Due to all the physical and mental benefits, being more grateful can actually lengthen and add years to your life. 

7. Gratitude can help build energy levels. People who are more grateful tend to have more energy, exercise more and give you that extra boost that you may be in need of.

8. Gratitude is linked with a better immune system. An article in Huffington Post identifies research through WebMD that states gratitude will help you be more healthier overall and help fight diseases.

10 Reasons Why Gratitude Is Healthy
The 31 Benefits of Gratitude You Didn't Know About: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life
7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round



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According to a statistic done by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 64% of people experience Holiday Blues at some point, 24% of them experience major Holiday Blues. It's ok to be that person! Just because it's the holidays, does not mean everything will be perfect. People experience Holiday Blues for several reasons: extra stress, loneliness because you are alone or unable to be with family, less sunlight, too much alcohol at parties, etc.

What are symptoms of Holiday Blues? It is very similar to depression, but more temporary. Symptoms can be fatigue, tension, frustration, feeling loneliness or isolation, sadness, a sense of loss, and a lack of energy. 

However short term, taking care of the Holiday Blues is incredibly important. Below is a list of 10 things you can do to manage your Holiday Blues.

1. Acknowledge your feelings! Don't ignore them.
1. Keep a regular routine.
2. Getting enough sleep.
3. Self-care and taking time for yourself whatever that may be.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation.
5. Exercise - such as taking a short walk.
6. Keep reasonable expectations for holiday activities like cooking, gifting, and partying.
7. Listen to music that boosts your mood.
8. Use relaxation techniques.
9. Reach out to appropriate supports that might be nearby or connect with those often that are too far.
10. Learn how to say no to things.

Useful links below:
Managing Holiday Blues - NAMI
Holiday Stress Management - Mayo Clinic
Holiday Blues - Huffington Post

I think this video is absolutely brilliant. I really couldn't have said it any better myself. No matter how "damaged" or "ruined" we are, our self-worth is always going to be the same. But sometimes it doesn't feel like that. There are times where everybody will experience a low self confidence or self-esteem. Here are just 5 easy steps to build your self confidence next time you are feeling down.

1. Make a list of your strengths. This is one of the hardest questions that I always have to ask people when they are at their lowest, but no doubt everyone is able to find at least one strength every time I ask. Identify at least one, and if you're having trouble finding more talk to a trusted support person and ask them what they think your strengths are.

2. Challenge your negative thoughts. Frequent negative thoughts are "Nobody likes me" or "I don't do anything right." Really? Nobody? Anything? Those are all absolutes and absolutely untrue. Go back to your list, find your strengths and then again, identify those trusted supports because they will be there as well.

3. Dress up or in clothes that make you feel good. Maybe it's not always about dressing up, but feeling comfortable. Do what it is that will make you comfortable in your own skin.

4. Do something that you enjoy. Take a break and focus on yourself. What is it that makes you happy? A TV show, reading, cooking, talking a walk? That 15 or more minutes that you spend on yourself will do you wonders.

5. Do  something nice for someone else. Believe it or not, turning our focus from ourselves to someone else is actually going to be the most helpful for you. It brings about true happiness and true feelings of self-worth. The joy of helping someone else cannot be faked and it is something that will last much longer than even some of the skills above.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. —Lao Tzu