This can be an unhealthy time of the year. It’s flu and cold season, then there is stress, too much to eat or drink, and pressure to do too much for the holidays. You have to work extra hard to watch out for your health.
Here are some tips for dealing with the season:
Stick to a budget. Sometimes the best gift is to just be a friend. And remember your friends and their support can be a great gift to you.
Keep up your sensible eating and sleeping habits. If you must enjoy a rich holiday treat, slowly savor small portions. And then add a bit more exercise to stay fit physically and mentally.
Things rarely are perfect, so don’t sweat it when they are not.
And take it easy. Remember that you don’t have to do everything. Just stay positive and give yourself time to sit back and enjoy the fun.
Depression can be a serious problem
All CareOregon members can get help for mental health issues.
Members with a CareOregon Advantage plan should call 1‑800‑432‑2695 and ask for an OK to see a mental health therapist.
Members with a CareOregon Standard or Plus plan will find the name and phone number of your Mental Health Care Organization (MHO) on the back of your DMAP Coverage Letter.
Fighting the winter blues
Do you feel depressed all winter long?
Some people have a condition called “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD. For these people, fewer hours of sunlight causes symptoms including depressed mood, decreased energy and eating too much.
One treatment involves sitting close to special high-powered, full-spectrum lights for 30 minutes a day.
People with SAD can also try other therapies that don’t require special equipment:
Get regular exercise outside, or at least near a window.
Go out into the sun as often as possible. (Remember to protect your skin from the sun. It’s the sunlight that reaches your eyes that makes the difference for SAD.)
