The holiday season is quickly approaching. While the holidays can be a time of camaraderie and connection, they can also be a time of tremendous stress. The good news is there are various techniques we can use to help us stay healthy throughout this season. Sometimes all we need is a minute to pause, rest, and be mindful of the joy of the holiday season. In such cases, we might consider going on an outdoor adventure to get some much-needed fresh air. In other cases, this is not enough. Sometimes the holidays bring up issues that mean we need to seek professional help to really appreciate the season.
The Power of Outdoor Adventures
Sometimes, during a hectic season, we need to find a way to get away for a short period of time. In these instances, we might put ourselves to the test by going on outdoor adventures. We are likely to discover a life without adventure is unsatisfying. Going on an adventure always has a beneficial impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing. We’ll be relieved to learn that Salt Lake City isn’t just surrounded by magnificent scenery, it also provides excellent options for relaxation.
Ensign Peak is a tiny hill on the city’s northern outskirts, behind the State Capitol Building. This peak is famous for being the location where Mormon settlers first climbed to examine the country and design the city they wanted to establish. The peak provides a family-friendly climb that is especially popular during sunset, when the view of the cityscape and setting sun is breathtaking.
Park City Mountain is a sprawling ski and snowboard resort with 7,300 acres of mountain terrain. It is the country’s largest ski resort and is about 30 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City. Its groomed routes and powder-filled bowls are of elite quality, and the resort even held four Winter Olympic Games events in 2002.
Snowbird Resort is regarded as one of the best outdoor adventure destinations in the Salt Lake Valley. The resort is in Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 20 miles from the city center. The picturesque aerial tram ride from the resort up to Hidden Peak is one of its top attractions. The 10-minute ride takes you along a 1.6-mile cable up 2,900 vertical feet with breathtaking vistas of the Mountain Range.
The Power of Inward Journeys
Not all our adventures have to involve being physically active. Sometimes we can go on a meaningful adventure by looking inward. Finding the time to attend every party during the holidays can quickly become daunting. There is also a desire to include as many traditions as possible to make each day of the season memorable. When you factor in travel and visiting family members, tension may quickly mount. The holidays are especially difficult for those of us who have lost friends or family members. Loss can make coping with the holiday season’s pressures much more difficult.
This holiday season, some of us may discover we are battling with an addiction. When everyone we know is celebrating and having a wonderful time, it can be difficult. Even though we know it will not be just one drink, we may be persuaded to have one. If we are struggling with an addiction, we might explore options for alcohol rehab in Salt Lake City. Such treatment programs can give us the tools we need to stay sober even during the stressful holiday season.
Some of us will also find we are struggling with seasonal affective disorder. It’s no secret that Utah’s winters are long and cold. So, it’s no wonder that Utahns are prone to seasonal depression. The good news is we can get in touch with our mind and body. We might try candlelit yoga on select Tuesdays at the Salt Lake City Library. Alternatively, we can contact a local therapist who can assist us.
Finally, some of us will struggle with an eating disorder this season. A person suffering from an eating problem is unable to eat or keep food down for a variety of reasons. The holidays can be particularly stressful for those with disordered eating. For those of us who are struggling, we might check out some of the programs at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah Health.
