It’s the happiest season of all, and there’s no denying that Christmas cheer is good for you. There’s something about the twinkling lights, songs, and decorations that make us feel warm and happy on the inside. But did you know that there’s actual science behind it?
The Health Benefits of Giving: Why the Christmas Season Boosts Happiness Levels
Research has shown that experiencing holiday cheer can lead to a plethora of health benefits. Perhaps the most significant of which is stress reduction. The inescapable pressures of daily life can catch up with anyone, and the holiday season is no exception. The stress of shopping, party planning, and traveling can be overwhelming. The good news is that simply listening to Christmas music can be an effective stress reliever. A study conducted by the Sussex County University in the UK, found that listening to Christmas music reduces the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Proven to increase feelings of well-being, calming music can help people feel more relaxed and happy during the holidays.
In addition to reducing stress, experiencing holiday cheer can boost your overall mood. Psychology researcher Dr. John Lason has emphasized the effects of “behavioral activation” on positive moods. Simply put, engaging in activities that make us happy can activate our positive emotions. That’s why decorating the tree, baking holiday treats, and spending time with loved ones can make us feel good– it’s all about feeling emotionally activated.
The benefits of holiday cheer extend beyond mental well-being. In fact, our physical health can also be affected by the holiday spirit. Studies have shown that acts of kindness and generosity can have measurable physiological effects. Acts of kindness such as volunteering, attending religious services, and making donations can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure and inflammation. On the other hand, being in a positive state of mind decreases cortisol production, which results in lower blood pressure and a healthy heart.
From Aromatherapy to Family Traditions: The Surprising Ways that Christmas Cheer Impacts Your Health
Moreover, experiencing holiday cheer encourages us to engage in physical activity, which can be beneficial for our overall health. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in festive activities like ice skating, taking walks, and dancing, benefit from increased physical activity levels, only improving their physical and mental health.
Last but not least, experiencing holiday cheer can help form spiritual connections. Several studies have indicated that faith and religion can enhance subjective well-being, feelings of positivity and satisfaction. It’s clear that the holiday season provides an excellent opportunity to form and strengthen these spiritual connections.
In conclusion, the holiday season provides us with a unique chance to experience several health benefits. From reducing stress to improving our mental and physical health, and fostering spiritual connections, Christmas cheer can enhance our overall well-being. Embracing the joy, connection and experiences of this holiday season can ensure that we all benefit from the festivities regardless of circumstance. Let’s embrace holiday cheer, love, and generosity – and let it fuel and transform us to be the best we can be in the coming year.