I know, it is only the beginning of December. Who is thinking about New Year’s Resolutions? Why would I bring that up so early? Because proper planning can help you and your community!
Let’s look at the benefits of getting ahead on your New Year’s Resolutions.
Get rid of clutter. Reducing your clutter now allows space for the upcoming gifts of the holiday season. Donating your reduced items could also be a wonderful gift to those less fortunate during the holiday season. Charitable organizations state that they have limited amounts of items before the holidays and are inundated with donations after the holidays. Giving those items sooner could make someone’s holiday a little more special.
Reducing clutter also provides a safer living environment by reducing tripping hazards. There are mental health benefits to reducing tchotchkes as well. Psychology Today indicates that clutter can lead to unhealthy eating, poorer mental health, less efficient visual processing, and less efficient thinking.
Spend time, not money. Many folks have one simple request when asked what they want for the holidays, especially as they age: time. Visit with your family members. Starting a Memory or Legacy Journal can be your reason to call a family member at least one time per month and listen to a story to write and share with future generations. These can be guided journals with prompting questions included or you can start with a blank journal. This helps to reduce clutter and gets rid of the excess stuff also.
Give back with your time. Another way to spend time is to volunteer. There are usually a large amount of volunteers during the holiday season, yet many places struggle to get enough volunteers throughout the year. Donate your time on behalf of a loved one to an organization that they support. Make it something to do together. Schedule one time per month to help deliver meals or do crafts at a nursing facility. Perhaps music is your thing. Many people enjoy any type of live music at the senior center, an assisted living facility, or an adult foster care location. Volunteering your time will also improve your mental health according to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose, increase social connection, reduce stress, and enhance your mood.
Planning in December can get you ahead for the New Year and put you in a better place mentally. Improved mental health is linked to improved physical health as well! Talk with your family and start on the track to a supportive holiday season and a blessed new year.