Let the Holiday festivities begin! With all the excitement of the holidays comes the stress of travel planning, parties, family and all those other little things that seem to appear from nowhere. At this time of the year, it is even more important than ever to take some time for yourself each day. Even 10 minutes at the beginning or end of the day to just sit in the quiet and let our minds go blank can make all the difference. Be sure to take time for you so you can then take time for the important things this season.

Change it up! Change Workout Times – Instead of going for a walk after dinner, try going at lunchtime when it’s light out. The workout will still happen – just at times that work best for the daylight. If walking in the evening, remember your reflective gear. Change location – You can always do a workout at home by investing in a few pieces of fitness equipment like hand weights or fitness bands. There are several free online workouts available as well. Check out the City of Nanaimo Activity Guide, visit www.nanaimo.ca or call our recreation experts at 250.756.5200 for ways to keep you and your family active and healthy this season.

Do you volunteer? If so, there are many compelling reasons to keep it up! You may already know about the positive effects that volunteering has on mental health including lowering stress, anxiety and depression, and increasing social connection. But did you know that volunteers might also be rewarded with better physical health? This includes both lowering blood pressure and a longer lifespan. Greek philosopher Aristotle was onto this many years ago surmising that the essence of life is “To serve others and do good.” And if this research is any indication, serving others may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is looking for some people whose cup of Christmas Cheer needs some filling. For 35 years the Toy Drive has helped families in need ensure their children have a few gifts at Christmas. By ‘filling’ that need, we can fill our own cups of cheer. The simple act of purchasing a new present for a newborn or child up to 16 years old, and dropping it in one of the convenient drop off boxes at Nanaimo Fire Halls, CCCredit Unions, major shopping centres among others makes us feel better and connects us to our community. Contact us for more information or to volunteer.

Chronic stress attacks our weaknesses and, like a bucket slowly filling with water one drop at a time, it will eventually overflow. When it does, it can have physical effects like high blood pressure or heart disease, or emotional ones like depression and anxiety. A counsellor can help you identify your stressors and determine how to manage them. This can include developing daily habits known for combatting stress like meditation, exercise, becoming more assertive and letting go. Look for a counsellor with a caring, non-judgemental approach combined with a compassionate ear and a kind heart. You can add health and longevity to your life.

We hear a lot about concussions and professional sports, but concussions can also happen in minor sport and rec leagues. Today scientists are actively trying to determine the optimal way to recover from concussions. We tend to associate concussions with head trauma, like in hockey or football but don’t realize that concussions can occur without head trauma. If you are playing any sport and experience ear ringing, headaches, light sensitivity, blurred vision, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, or difficulty focusing attention or concentrating, you may have a concussion. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, get assessed by a doctor.

Are you or is your partner 60 years or older? Do you want to take up an existing hobby or try something new? Do you want to meet and socialize with a great group of people? If so, check out the many benefits of a membership with Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors. Annual membership is only $41.45 and includes access to many programs and services provided by Parks and Recreation. Participate in programs in arts, crafts, cards, games, dance, fitness, yoga, tai chi, language, music, sports and more! For more information, contact 250.755.7501, pick up our bi-monthly newsletter at City of Nanaimo recreation facilities or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

We often hear the negative about seniors in our society rather than celebrating them! Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, usage of services (keep people employed) and by paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age group. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting, caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Please take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.