BJOL Newsletter: BREATHE❖JUVENATE❖OBSERVE❖LIBERATE
Welcome to the introduction of the BJOL Newsletter from Living Life Simply 365. Think of this space as your moment to breathe, gently juvenate your energy, observe your inner world with curiosity, and liberate a good laugh while picking up a nugget of mental health wisdom. In this issue, you can expect some reflective moments, helpful resources, and gentle reminders to keep you aligned with your goals and to what matters most. I hope what you find here feels grounding, uplifting, and relevant. As the seasons shift, our bodies and minds shift with them. This often leads to a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which follows a seasonal pattern. In the winter, the decrease of sunlight can rain on your parade. In the summer months, the increased sunlight keeps your engines revved making it harder to settle and rest. I am not presenting a chance for another diagnosis but asking you to OBSERVE how your emotions and thoughts impact how you show up every day. If you have been feeling "off,” it is not just your imagination, and you are not alone.
Here are a few tips to try:
(1) Winter months – get some SUN (go outside, sit near a window with the blinds or curtains open); Summer months – make it dark (blackout curtains and low wattage lightbulbs)
(2) Move your body – dance, walk, or stretch
(3) Take a step outside and BREATHE
(4) Keep your routine or create one
IS IT S.A.D. OR HOLIDAY BLUES?
They may feel similar, but are in fact, NOT the same.
S.A.D. is a pattern of depression that appears each year around the same time, whereas the holiday blues show up during the holiday season (Nov – Jan) due to the stress, pressure, memories, and/or expectations attached. You might feel lonely, overwhelmed, or stuck in nostalgia.
Know both are real, valid, and deserve compassion. LIBERATE yourself from the pressure of it all by saying no and enjoying the things that matter to you.
Dealing with the holiday blues
Incorporate a pocket of time in your day that is just yours and not related to the holidays or your grief for who is missing. This can be something creative – painting, coloring, singing, dancing, writing, etc. You can choose to be active – go for a walk, ride a bike or roller skate (get your knee pads and helmet), do some stretches or a yoga video from YouTube. Surprise yourself and do something new – learn a language, learn to crochet, or build a Lego masterpiece.
Being near safe people is a beautiful thing too. Hobby groups, book club groups, or a good old fashioned support group may be the ticket to provide some socialization.
The important thing is to DO SOMETHING and give yourself permission to take it slowly.
ACTIVITIES AROUND ATLANTA
A Holiday Tradition | Atlanta Christkindl Market- a unique fusion of traditional German festivities and the vibrant spirit of Atlanta. From delicious culinary delights to handcrafted treasures, immerse yourself in an enchanting world where old-world charm intertwines with the vibrance of Atlanta culture. 11/28-12/24
Nature Holiday Market in Roswell, GA at The Chattahoochee Nature Center - free community event takes place Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local artisans with handmade and eco-friendly gifts.
2017 Holiday Happenings in the Centennial Park District - Experience the holiday lights and carols in this iconic park, which transforms into a festive landmark during the season.
Carriage Rides | Norcross, GA - Official Website - Join us for complimentary Carriage Rides every Thursday and Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from December 5 to December 19.
Atlanta International Night Market: Passport To The Holidays | Norcross, GA - Official Website - The City of Norcross and Atlanta International Night Market invite you to celebrate the season with Passport to the Holidays on Friday, December 12 from 5:00–10:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 13 from 2:00–10:00 p.m., at Lillian Webb Park
Pictures with Santa // Alliance Theatre - Santa Charles will be spreading holiday cheer at select performances of A Christmas Carol November 15 through December 21. $20
HELPFUL NUMBERS
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Or just dial 988
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) – 1-800-715-4225
Georgia Warm Line (offers peer support; NOT FOR CRISIS) - 1-888-945-1414
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI, or text “HELPLINE” to 62640. Both services available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency: 1-800-622-2255
LGBTQ Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678. Standard text messaging rates apply. Available 24/7/365. (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning—LGBTQ—young people under 25.)