By Debra Staton, Wellness Coordinator for the Arkansas Health Network

This holiday season, we are facing challenges unlike anything we have seen in previous times. For some, the holiday season can be challenging in itself; however, with COVID, there is an added strain and stress.

It seems the stress from all the hustle and bustle of traveling non-stop has been replaced with the stress of staying put for the holidays.

The pandemic has created many challenges and has forced us to re-examine and change how we do things. The positive side of challenges is that it presents us with an opportunity to learn and grow in the process. This is a great time to dig deep and examine our own beliefs. We all have positive strengths, so we must use these tools to help ourselves and others cope during this time.

We all possess the strength of gratitude and what better time to share a gift of gratitude with others. Studies have shown that gratitude can impact our mental and physical well-being and even help us cope with stress.

 A dear friend recently shared…”Pausing to give gratitude will crowd out some of those more difficult feelings we are experiencing in this ever-so-curious year.”

”A Sprinkle to Sparkle”

Because a sprinkle of salt can awaken an entrée
Because a sprinkle of powdered sugar can decorate a cookie
Because a sprinkle of glitter can add that special feeling

Adding a sprinkle of gratitude can make a season bright!