Protect Your Physical, Mental, and Financial Health Throughout the Busy Holiday Season

For many people, the holiday season is a time for travel, celebrations, and opportunities to connect with family and friends. Yet, all that activity, festivity, and spending over a relatively short period of time can take a toll on your body, mind, and wallet. Consider the following tips to help manage this year’s holiday hustle and bustle.

Take care of your physical health - Let’s face it, the holidays can be physically challenging. Trying to fit extra errands, cooking, shopping, and social engagements into an already full schedule can leave you feeling run down. To maintain your health and stamina, remember to:

• Stay hydrated to help keep your body working optimally
• Indulge in holiday treats but add some healthy choices for balance
• Make time for exercise. Walking while shopping definitely counts!
• Plan time to relax and recharge, whether that’s booking a massage, sleeping late, walking outdoors, or reading by a cozy fire

Be mindful of your mental health - The holidays can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness, especially for those missing loved ones. To promote well-being, pay attention to how you’re feeling and consider:

• Incorporating the activities and people that bring you the most joy
• Allowing yourself to say no if you don’t feel up to participating in certain activities or social engagements
• Practicing mindfulness, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
• Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or professional therapist
• Reaching out for help; if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide Prevention & Crisis hotline, or chat with a counselor online at 988lifeline.org

Keep a close eye on your finances – While the holidays may be a time for generosity and indulgence, make sure it’s not at the expense of your budget. Consider these tips to help keep spending in check this holiday season:

• Create and follow a holiday budget to stay on top of spending
• Set gift spending limits with friends or family members
• Use online shopping comparison tools to save time and money while identifying the best deals
• Use cash or limit credit card purchases so you’re not faced with a surprise bill in January
• Remain vigilant of financial scams, which tend to increase in frequency over the holidays when people are at their busiest. Visit FCC.gov to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest holiday and charitable giving scams.

^{This information was written by KRW Creative Concepts, a non-affiliate of the broker-dealer.}

^{This communication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For specific professional assistance, the services of an appropriate professional should be sought.}