Give Thanks
Research shows that exercise can have a comparable effect to antidepressant medication in treating depression. Studies indicate that regular physical activity significantly reduces depressive symptoms, often proving equally effective as medication, particularly for mild to moderate cases. In fact, combining exercise with antidepressants may offer even greater benefits than medication alone. I mention this for several reasons, especially as we approach the holiday season and the reflective period that follows at the start of the new year.
The next 30-plus days often bring indulgence — whether it’s food, family, or alcohol — which can result in weight gain, self-criticism, and the inevitable, sometimes unrealistic, New Year’s resolutions.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not disparaging the holidays; far from it. I simply want to offer a practical approach to navigating what can be a stressful time for many. While this season is joyful for some, filled with friends and family, it can also be challenging for others who dread its arrival. Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle.
Right now, we’re in North Carolina, enjoying a much-needed escape from South Florida’s usual Thanksgiving heat. We embarked on a 12-hour drive, arriving early Saturday morning at 3:00 AM. As we turned into the driveway, we were welcomed by a baby deer — much to my wife’s surprise, as she was behind the wheel for the final stretch of our journey. I think it’s going to be a great week.
This year marks the first time in about 13 years that we haven’t hosted Thanksgiving at our home. As I’ve shared in previous blogs, my mother isn’t doing well and opted out of Thanksgiving this year. Don’t worry it won’t be her last Thanksgiving. Typically, South Floridians hope for a “cool” Thanksgiving, only to be disappointed. So, we decided to embrace a change and experience what a true fall Thanksgiving feels like.
Now, getting back to the point of this blog: managing the next 30 days or so can be a challenge for many of us, and it’s easy to fall prey to feelings of stress or even depression during this time. It’s crucial to plan ahead and take steps to manage your mental and emotional state. This means having a game plan for holiday gatherings and food consumption, setting realistic budgets for gift-giving, and preparing yourself for the inevitable family dynamics that tend to arise.
Most importantly, allow yourself to be fully present and enjoy the holidays. The good news? The holidays are temporary — but how you care for yourself is lasting. Be kind to yourself this season.
Take a moment to give thanks for all your blessings, no matter how small. Celebrate your wins, and use this time to reflect on what you’d like to improve as the new year approaches. This year, I want to express my gratitude for my One-Fed team, both at headquarters and across the country. I’m thankful for your unwavering commitment to getting the job done and supporting our mission of providing care for injured Federal employees. I couldn’t be more proud of the work we do together.
Have a great short week, and enjoy the holiday season!
