The holidays can be joyful, but they often bring stress, especially around family gatherings. Expectations, busy schedules, and emotional triggers can leave us feeling drained instead of delighted. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay grounded in the present moment. Take a few deep breaths before responding, listen with compassion, and release the need for perfection. Remember, it’s not about creating a flawless holiday, but about being fully present with those you love. Give yourself permission to slow down, find gratitude in small moments, and approach each interaction with kindness…for others and for yourself. That’s the true spirit of the season.
Community News
Finding Calm This Holiday Season
Reiki can be a calming and supportive practice for easing holiday anxiety. During the busy season, emotions often run high, and Reiki helps restore balance by promoting relaxation and grounding. Through gentle, hands-on or distance energy work, Reiki encourages the body’s natural ability to release tension and emotional stress. Many people report feeling lighter, more centered, and peaceful after a session. It can also enhance mindfulness, helping you stay present amid the chaos of gatherings, travel, and expectations. Whether received from a practitioner or practiced for self-care, Reiki offers a simple, nurturing way to reconnect with calm during the holidays.
Nutrient Therapy for Mental Wellness
At Uptown Integrative Health, we take an individualized approach to mental wellness that recognizes the strong connection between nutrient biochemistry and brain function. The Walsh Protocol, developed by Dr. William Walsh, is one evidence-informed framework we may use to identify biochemical imbalances contributing to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood dysregulation. This method includes targeted nutrient testing to assess methylation, zinc–copper balance, B6 levels, and oxidative stress—key factors influencing neurotransmitters. Treatment is personalized and may include specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combined with counseling, lifestyle support, and mind-body therapies, this integrative approach aims to promote stable mood, focus, and long-term resilience.
You’re Not Alone This Holiday Season
While many of us look forward to spending quality time with family and friends during the holidays, it can also be an overwhelming time – especially for people living with dementia and their care partners.
This holiday season, the Alzheimer Society wants to remind you that you are not alone. If you need guidance, reassurance or a listening ear, the Society is here for you and can help you navigate any challenges you’re facing.
Connect anytime by emailing [email protected] or calling 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699. For more helpful information, visit alzheimer.mb.ca.
Handling Holiday Stress
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, even if you’re surrounded by family and friends, it can be stressful. Making sure that your body and mind can handle stress is the best gift that you can give yourself. One of the best ways to improve your overall health and stress-handling ability is through Bioenergetics. Bioenergetics uses computerized testing and treatment to effectively determine and treat any imbalance or weakness in the body that is preventing you from achieving both optimal stress management and improved health. This holiday season, make sure that stress isn’t an unwanted gift that you can’t give back.
Keeping Pets Safe at Christmas
The holiday season brings joy, but it can also pose hidden dangers for pets. Keep Christmas trees secure to prevent tipping, and avoid tinsel, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Decorations like ornaments and lights should be placed out of reach, as they can be choking or electrocution hazards. Many festive plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to animals. Keep chocolate, alcohol, and rich holiday foods away from curious pets. Provide a quiet space for them to retreat from guests and noise. With a little planning, you can keep your furry friends safe and enjoy a happy Christmas together.
December Book Club
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect With the Present, and Expand the Future. An empathetic and wise book that will guide you on a journey toward a deeper understanding of self. In Lighter, Yung Pueblo demonstrates how we can all move forward in our healing, from learning self-compassion to letting go to becoming emotionally mature.
Companionship for the Holidays
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging for seniors who may feel isolated or miss loved ones. Staying connected is key to emotional well-being. Simple activities like phone or video calls, writing cards, or inviting a friend for tea can make a world of difference. Joining community events or volunteer groups can also lift spirits and create new memories. Companionship brings comfort, laughter, and belonging — especially during the holidays. Did you know our team can help with errands or holiday shopping to make the season brighter? Visit www.hsewinnipeg.com for more heartwarming wellness tips.
Quit Smoking This Winter
Winter is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start and quit smoking for good. Laser therapy offers a natural, non-invasive method to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Using low-level laser light on specific energy points, it helps stimulate endorphin production, promoting relaxation and easing the transition to a smoke-free life. Many people experience reduced cravings after just one session. Combined with motivation and support, laser therapy can make quitting easier and more comfortable. This winter, choose better breathing, improved health, and a renewed sense of well-being by committing to quit smoking with the help of laser therapy.
Winter UV Eye Protection
Many people associate UV protection with summer, but winter sun can be just as harmful to your eyes. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, doubling exposure and increasing the risk of photokeratitis—essentially a sunburn on the eye. Long-term UV damage can also contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or goggles with 100% UVA and UVB protection, even on cloudy days. Wraparound styles offer extra coverage from reflected light. Pairing proper eyewear with a wide-brimmed hat or helmet visor helps shield your eyes and keep your vision healthy year-round.
Confident Smiles This Holiday
Holiday gatherings are full of laughter, delicious food, and memorable conversations. For denture wearers, enjoying these moments comfortably is important. Well-fitting dentures allow you to eat seasonal favorites and smile confidently in photos without worry. Regular care, cleaning daily and visiting your denturist for check-ups, helps prevent discomfort or slipping during meals. With the right fit and care, dentures won’t hold you back from the holiday fun. Enjoy every bite, toast, and smile with confidence this season.
