More Holiday Cheer

Just in time for the weekend, we start finishing every last detail on our Christmas lists, decorating, and planning for the New Year. My Voice Media Center wants you to have a merry and safe holiday at home with your family and/or friends. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

(That reminds us of the fun we had caroling this year, making art, and spending our time creating with self-expression.)

Susan's Photography

Thank you Caitlyn, our great Graphics Designer, for the beautiful poster!

We are so happy to have been a part of all of our participants' lives and art this year. And we are working on making next year just as fun! We are always working towards a safe and friendly environment for you to learn about the arts and how the benefits of the creative mind can impact you.

Holiday cheer and fun is coming up soon and there is a lot of time that you may want to do something and create!

Here is a list of the top 10 things from MVMC that you can do during the holidays....and then some more!

The Top 10 Ways to Create During the Holidays:

Paint a Christmas Setting
Draw Santa Claus
Make a Stencil
Color a giant Mixed Media Paper
Use your No Stigma Speakers Bureau talent and write a poem
Organize your art supplies
Play some Christmas Music and try to play Guitar with it
Perfect a Sketch for Printmaking
Read about Art and Art History
Watch a YouTube Video on how to make your favorite work

Whatever you decide to do for the holidays, remember to stay warm and take care of those you love. Spread the holiday cheer by doing something nice for someone else.

Here is a list of nice things that you can do, even if visiting someone's home for the holidays...

ask if they need help with the dishes or setting the table
watch a movie with someone (don't forget the popcorn)
be kind and go out with others to deliver leftovers to the homeless (don't go alone)
create a masterpiece for one of your gifts
help the lady next door with her groceries
wake up early and make the first pot of coffee
show someone how to draw or paint

Don't forget about yourself!

Here are some mental health tools for you to practice all week long and through the new year!

From:

"Use these tips to get started:

Manage your expectations. Remember that this year is different and may not feel like the holiday season we are used to. Whether you are sharing a meal over Zoom or sending well wishes to family across the country, managing your expectations for yourself and others will help you stay positive. Give yourself and those around you some grace – none of us have been through a time like this before, and we’re all trying to balance staying safe with feeling “normal.”
Pull back when you need to. If, at any point, you feel overwhelmed or anxious, know that it’s perfectly fine to take a step back. Healthy boundaries are necessary for your mental health. Practicing self-care can also help soothe feelings of anxiety or stress. Take a walk, watch a funny movie, or meditate.
Reach out to loved ones. In times like this, living in a digital age can feel like a saving grace. Stay connected with your loved ones via text, social media, video or phone. Make yourself available for those you cannot see in person and offer your support to loved ones who may be struggling — a simple text or email can make a difference.
Monitor your moods. The “holiday blues” are real, so it is important to stay in tune with how you’re feeling. It can be easy to put others before yourself during the holiday season but remember that how you’re feeling matters too. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, or even rating how you feel every day can help you better understand your emotions. Pay attention to what makes you happy and incorporate it into your daily life. And remember: It’s OK to not be OK, and you’re not alone.
Ask for help. If the holidays become more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Talk to a loved one, trusted peer, or even your primary care physician about how you’re feeling. If you notice a family member or loved one having a difficult time, encourage them to seek help too.

Even though this year’s holiday season may not look like it has in the past, you can still make it special and comfortable by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. Take it one day at a time and #BetheDifference for yourself.

Have a wonderful holiday season this year with Mental Health First Aid. Happy Holidays!"

Thank you Mental Health First Aid!

There are many ways to use the tools you have in mental health to benefit your life. You must exercise these as you go about your days during the holidays to better the mood and lift spirits high.

Below is a list of resources for the homeless, mental health, and others. Use them as you need them and stay safe!