Winter Holiday Wellness

Contributor: Bonnie Stefansson,

Community Wellness Facilitator with the Interlake-Eastern RHA

The holidays can be a time of joy, love, friends and family. It can also be a time of year that challenges people for so many reasons. Here are some wellness tips that can help everyone have a better season.

Does gift-giving stress you out? Set a budget and stick to it. Remember that December may also bring other unexpected costs including rising food and entertaining costs. Have honest conversations with your groups about breaking previous traditions that may be too costly.

It is okay to gently say “no” (but thank you!) to invitations to parties and events.

Read more tips for Winter Wellness

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Why Exercise Matters for Mental Wellbeing

Contributor: Jan Keryluk, Community Wellness Facilitator with the Interlake-Eastern RHA

One of the best ways to boost your mood and manage stress during this busy time of year is through regular physical activity!

Reduces Stress: 

• Physical activity helps lower levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as cortisol. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a yoga session, moving your body can be a great way to unwind.
• Improves Mood: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These natural mood lifters can help combat feelings of sadness and anxiety, making the holidays more enjoyable.
• Enhances Sleep: Staying active can improve the quality of your sleep, which is vital for overall mental well-being. A good night’s rest helps you feel more energized and better equipped to handle the pressures that come with it .
• Promotes Connection: Consider joining a group class or go for a walk with friends. Exercising with others can foster social connections, providing a sense of community and support during the holiday season.

Tips to Stay Active Over the Holidays:

• Set Realistic Goals: Aim for short bursts of activity if your schedule is packed. Even a 10-minute walk can make a difference.
• Incorporate Fun Activities: Go ice skating, or enjoy a family hike. Make movement a part of your festive traditions!
• Schedule It In: Treat your workout like any important appointment—put it on your calendar.

Embrace the joy of movement and make physical activity a part of your celebrations!

There are some low cost fun ideas to get you and your family started with this printable advent calendar from Active for Life!

Image credit: Designed by Freepik

Access For All. Period.

Source: Province of Manitoba

Free pads and tampons are now available throughout Manitoba as part of the Access for All Period program, led by the Manitoba government. This program is focused on ending period poverty by providing equal access to menstrual products for all.

What is period poverty?

Period poverty is the inability to access or afford menstrual products, preventing youth and adults who menstruate from participating in their everyday lives.



Why is this important?

Removing barriers to access menstrual products is crucial to the physical and mental health of all who menstruate. A lack of proper access can result in dangerous situations, leading to both short and long term physical harm, as well as mental health issues including anxiety, depression and self-isolation. For students, it can negatively impact attendance and participation, affecting long-term achievement and resulting in missed educational and employment opportunities.

More information & a list of locations for free menstrual products in Manitoba.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Source: Government of Canada

The Wellness Connection e-news comes to you in the middle of the 2024 campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. This time is aside each year to emphasize how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – particularly men and boys – in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognize the signs of gender-based violence and to reach out for support, for ourselves or loved ones. Learn 16 ways you can help end gender-based violence.

Les nouvelles électroniques, Wellness Connection, de décembre vous parviennent au milieu de la campagne 2024 des 16 jours d’activisme contre la violence fondée sur le sexe. Chaque année, nous mettons de côté cette occasion pour souligner à quel point il est crucial d’impliquer tout le monde au Canada – en particulier les hommes et les garçons – dans la modification des normes sociales, des attitudes et des comportements qui contribuent à la violence fondée sur le sexe. Il s’agit également d’un appel à l’action qui nous exhorte tous à reconnaître les signes de violence fondée sur le sexe et à demander du soutien, pour nous-mêmes ou pour nos proches. Apprenez 16 façons d’aider à mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe.