This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gift of Mental Health

Staying healthy doesn’t stop with your annual checkup. And prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as supporting your physical health.

Mental well-being is an overall positive and hopeful emotion, fueled by a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. Mental well-being also means being able to adapt to stressors.

There are ways to support and protect your mental health this holiday season:
• Stay active: Getting outside for a brisk walk, a bike ride or a round of golf can do wonders to lift the spirits.

• Eat healthy foods: It’s no secret that eating well helps you feel better. But it can be challenging during the holidays. If you do indulge at a holiday meal, recommit to healthier eating the next day.

• Connect with family and friends: Not everyone can come together for the holidays. Digital apps like Skype, Zoom, What’s App and FaceTime can help you connect and talk with your loved ones. If you’re not familiar with these apps, ask a young person to tutor you. You’ll make their day!

• Meditate: When you’re present in the moment, you focus on one thing at a time. It’s restorative and can help you re-charge.

• Get involved in your community: Studies show that volunteering can improve your health, and fight loneliness and depression. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and grow your circle of friends. It’s also a great way to help your community and support people in need this holiday season.

• Engage your brain: Doing daily number and crossword puzzles helps keep our brains young. If you don’t feel challenged enough, try timing yourself.

• Talk about how you feel: It’s OK to open up to a trusted friend or loved one and share how you’re feeling. It can help you feel supported and less alone.

Get help managing your mental and physical health with Florida Blue Medicare. You’ll find personalized support and resources for living a healthier, happier life. In addition to whole health coverage, including mental health benefits, you’ll get access to meQuilibrium stress management and resilience tools at no extra cost.

Members can also call or visit a Florida Blue Center to talk with a Florida Blue nurse. Our nurses help you understand your doctor’s advice and work with you to improve your health. Or have a community health specialist help you find local resources for help. Find your neighborhood Florida Blue Center at floridablue.com or call 1-877-352-5830.

Don’t wait until the new year. Now’s the time to prioritize your mental and physical health. Remember, you’re worth it.

Florida Blue Medicare is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Florida Blue contracts with New Directions Behavioral Health to provide behavioral health services. The programs offered by Florida Blue are subject to change.

352-401-5611
Dell Richards

Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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