Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Winter 2018

Focus Your Health 3 Boost your mood this season Whether you need a lift from the winter blues or a break from holiday stress, check out these ways to brighten your day: Look for the good. There’s often an upside to a stressful situation. You might ask yourself: Could this make me stronger? What am I learn- ing? Writing about something or someone you’re thankful for can also lift your spirits. Give yourself a break. Don’t expect more from your- self than you would anyone 8,690 Home fires involving candles are reported each year. TO AVOID FIRE Place candles where they can’t be knocked down or blown over. Consider using battery- operated candles instead of real ones. Keep candles away from flammable decorations (including trees). Extinguish candles when you leave the room. Use nonflammable candle holders. Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; National Fire Protection Association else. It’s OK if you couldn’t buy a gift for everyone on your list, or if a meal doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Get some sunshine. Take a walk or sit by a win- dow to make the most of the daylight. Be kind to others. Consider volunteering. Or practice little acts of kind- ness, like holding the door for someone. Visit a friend. Being around others may help you perk up. Talking on the phone, or via text or email, can help too. Sources: American Council on Exercise; Mental Health America Holiday fires