LAUGHTER DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Another good promoter of mental health, or is that Mental Elf, is laughter.

How? Rent a funny movie and kick back and watch it with friends, family or on your own. Go to a comedy club and see your favourtie comedian perform. Take out a collection of your favourite comics from the library and curl up with them.

NATURE AT CHRISTMAS

Spending some time in nature during the Christmas season can be helpful.

How? You can combine exercise and nature time: snow shoe through the forest, skate on the lake near your home, or walk through snowy woods, or if you are in a warmer area go to the beach, cycle through a national park, etc.

HOLIDAY EXERCISE

One good way to keep yourself mentally healthy is to make sure you get some exercise during the holidays.

How? Go sledding with the kids, walk, skate, cross country ski, snow shoe, or if you are in a warmer climb, cycle, swim, hike, etc.

EATING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Seasonal Feasting-Enjoy the wonderful food, but also be kind to yourself-try not to have too much food that makes it harder for you to function and if you do, enjoy it while you eat it, and do not berate yourself after the fact when you feel bad, just take the time to recover and remind yourself that you only do this occasionally.

YOUR CHRISTMAS MEAL

Stress free christmas meal-have everyone who is coming prepare one dish so that the host is not stuck with everything-unless of course christmas cooking is a joy for that person and then , of course, have your fun-just don't over do it.

QUIET TIMES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Time for self or your closest relationships-During the holidays make sure that you schedule time by yourself or time with those closest to you to just relax and take it easy; creating this kind of down time will make any people time you have that much more enjoyable.

TIME OUT AT CELEBRATIONS

Create self space during people time-When you are at parties make sure that you take time out for yourself now and then so you can recharge and continue to enjoy being with people; a few minutes here and there somewhere quiet can make all the difference in not getting too stressed out at holiday gatherings.

MORE HEAD HEALTH AT CHRISTMAS

For those of you who want to keep your heads during the holidays another suggestion comes from the Mental Health Foundation in the UK. Take a look and keep your head healthy.