THE GIFT OF TOGETHERNESS HOW HOLIDAY GATHERINGS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR WELL-BEING
The holiday season is a special time when families and friends gather around tables for delicious meals, share stories or laughs, give gifts, make new memories, and connect. While, for many of us, these things are traditions we participate in every year without thought, the truth is that taking time to connect with the ones we love isn’t just fun; it’s a crucial component of our health and well-being. You may be surprised to learn you receive the following three health benefits just by meeting with your loved ones once or twice during the holiday season. NO. 1: LESS LONELINESS Life can get busy, and for many families, unless there is a holiday or birthday involved, everyone can get too caught up in their schedules to make time for each other. But through holiday interactions, family members can once again connect
NO. 3: INCREASED STABILITY Remember that emotional lifeline we mentioned earlier? It does more than reduce loneliness; it also increases the overall stability of our lives. By talking with the people you know and trust about recent wins or losses you’ve experienced, you’ll be better able to navigate obstacles, find solutions, and focus on your higher needs. Plus, the younger people in your family, like adult children, nieces, and nephews, may need their own encouragement from someone who has already been through something they’re facing. You can be that person for them! We also understand that for some people, their family can be a source of stress and anxiety rather than support. But remember, your family is what you make it! You can also receive many of these health benefits by chatting with close friends!
to an emotional lifeline. This, in turn, makes them feel less alone during those other moments throughout the year when life gets crazy. NO. 2: IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH Any social interactions can give our brains a major boost, as humans are naturally social creatures. But these holiday gatherings, no matter how large, have been proven to significantly improve our overall cognitive function, reduce stress and depression, and increase our overall well-being.
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup!
INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water •
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. DIRECTIONS
1 28-oz can tomato sauce
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1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
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2 cups chopped green peppers
BALLOT CORNUCOPIA CRANBERRY DISTRICTS MAIZE PILGRIM
POLITICS RAKING
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1/4 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tsp salt
SHOPPING STUFFING THANKSGIVING VETERAN
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2 tsp beef bouillon granules
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1 tsp black pepper
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2 cups cooked long-grain rice
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Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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