December Welcome – Live Well, Travel Well, and Breathe Hatteras Island

It’s a wrap and feeling festive!

‘Tis the season… It truly is a magical month with festive lights, traditions old and new, peace and goodwill, and a time for sharing with loved ones. Celebrations, rituals and annual prepartions can play an important role in creating a sense of wellbeing, satisfaction and belonging. By looking forward to and recreating an act we enjoy, we evoke memories and can trigger the same deep feelings of connection and happiness. Perhaps it’s decorating the tree, baking holiday cookies, sipping on hot chocolate, listening to Christmas carols, attending a religious service, wrapping gifts, or taking the dog out on a crisp winter’s morning.

Now have you been naughty or nice? Let’s not forget what’s on your wellness wish list? If you, your family, or friends are planning any health, fitness, and wellness resolutions for the New Year, remember that experiences can make wonderful gifts to help kick-start these goals. You can support local small businesses and the wellness community by purchasing gift vouchers for therapeutic massages, yoga class passes, fitness and personal training, horse rides, bike rentals, and so much more. You can also gift someone your time to clear their yard, offer to watch their kids, run errands for them, arrange to meet for a winter’s walk or put time aside to enjoy a festive date night.

As we wrap up the year, it’s also a great time to reflect, clear out some mental clutter, and tie up any loose ends. Letting go of any unreasonable expectations can help manage emotional health and deal with holiday overwhelm. Hold a thought for those who struggle to cope at this time of year, light a candle in rememberence of those who can’t be with you, be kind to yourself, celebrate all of your achievements, and shine as you step into the New Year with renewed energy!

Photo credit: Anna Shvets