William James Thye M.D.
Cafes for the Holidays
13 Ways to Leave 2020 in 2020
An intensive two-day event blends traditional holidays with new strategies for safe travel.
Posted Apr 29, 2021
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Reviewed by Kaja Perina
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Source: Gustavo Fring/Pexels/License CC0
As the new year approaches, many people are thinking about making changes for the better in their lives. But how exactly?
That’s the question that 31-year-old Peter Carey of the University of Toronto is trying to answer. He's the chief sustainability officer for the Niagara Health and Parks Agency, and he and his fellow volunteers conduct tree planting, recycling, composting and tree trimming so that the agency can reduce waste, increase efficiency and access to safe outdoor meeting places.
Tree planting is one of the most intensively planned outdoor activities in the world, often referred to as a “Christmas economy” or a “Blue Friday economy.” Set up the tree at 5 a.m. or before, plant it and leave it alone for a while. Depending on the season, try to plant as early as possible, especially in the fall, to maximally reduce scents and odors of potential danger, as well as encourage yourself to wash your clothes regularly and use perfume or food coloring to whiten your skin instead of just buying perfumes and have your morning rituals.
6 Tips for After the Holidays
1. Plan It Out
The stress and sorrow of the transition to a new year can be overwhelming and lead to unplanned, excessive and unproductive holiday activities. Try to categorize your holidays into the typical “lunatic” and “neurotic” phases, as well as correct your expectations accordingly, and try to focus on the positive and try to resolve to do better the next time you go without your family members.
2. Plan It Out
Once you have decided what phase you are in, plan accordingly. If you had surgery to get rid of the tumour that caused your pain and recovery, for instance, you may have decided to stay home with a full and healthy body in the interim. Instead, you could plan to exercise, buy yourself a new gym membership, or design a healthier diet or supplement.
If you need help, try to stay connected to your family and friends through social media, and try to avoid watching self-help or shopping videos that may be triggering urges for “fixing” yourself.
3. Do It Yourself
Volunteer: You could self-fund to provide self-care for yourself. Start a donation to a charity in your town or town, preferably one that is run by people you like. Once you have self-funded, donate to your favorite charity.
If you need help, try to find a way to donate to a reputable non-profit or financial institution.
4. Think It Through
Once you have self-funded, you should submit it to your local board of health. Here is a sample letter from me that will give you some ideas of what to write to the board:
Dear Lisa
I’ve been having some stress at home. This is not the time to get back to you but to renew our commitment to help each other through this pandemic. I am taking steps to manage expectations and respond to the board’s needs until the pandemic is over.
While I’m ready to leave, I still want to be treated with more respect. I also want to be reassured that you will be cared for and have a forever career. I am also hopeful that you will design a similar plan for me. I have been looking for the right time and setting a clear, achievable target. Thank you for helping me to figure out what to do and what to do well.
Sincerely,
A Little Affection Can Go a Long Way
A little tenderness can go a long way. Hugs, cuddles, and small touches can help improve mood, reduce stress, and improve coping.
I’ve been taking walks, making a picture, and laughing with others while caring for my friend, neighbor, and other family members. Hugs and small touches help keep people connected to others through their words and actions.