Embedded Files
WY We Care
Health & Wellness Tips for the Holidays
Finding Calm in the Holiday Chaos
The holidays bring connection and celebration, but they can also create stress, tension, and fatigue. Work deadlines, travel, money concerns, and family responsibilities can keep the body locked in “go mode,” increasing cortisol and adrenaline.
Short, intentional breaks help the body reset. Try the simple 4-2-6 breathing pattern to activate your natural relaxation response:
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold your breath for 2 seconds
Exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds
Practical Tips:
Set a reminder to take a 5-minute pause every couple of hours
During each break, focus on something calming
End your day with five slow breaths and one moment of gratitude
Peace is found in the pauses.
Feed Your Soul in Small Doses
Small, undistracted moments of peace can restore energy and focus. A few minutes each day can shift the brain out of constant “doing” and into a calmer state.
You might sip tea, step outside, read for 15 minutes, look at photos of loved ones, pray, take a short walk, enjoy Wyoming’s sky and landscape, breathe in the winter air, or listen to a song you love.
Practical Tips:
Short daily nourishment is often more effective than longer weekly activities
Avoid multitasking to give your mind the full benefit
Mindful Moments, Meaningful Holidays
The holiday season can move quickly, leaving little time to appreciate the moments that matter. Mindfulness helps slow things down by bringing attention to the present without judgment. Being present makes the season feel richer and more peaceful.
Before a meal or gathering, try a mindful minute: notice what you see, hear, smell, and feel, then think of one thing you’re grateful for.
Practical Tips:
Practice the “Mindful Three”: one thing you see, one you hear, one you feel
Listen fully when talking with others
Reflect on one meaningful moment at the end of each day
Move Your Body, Protect Your Mood
Cold weather, wind, and long nights can make movement harder, but short bursts of activity improve mood, energy, and sleep. Movement releases serotonin and endorphins, which help reduce stress and support mental health.
You don’t need a gym. Simple activities work well.
Practical Tips:
Take a walk after meals
Dance while you cook
Stretch before bed
Try chair exercises between meetings
Get outside when possible to benefit from sunlight
Movement is medicine.
Wyoming Behavioral Health System
Wyoming Behavioral Health System
Governor Gordon has committed to elevating the conversation of behavioral health care in Wyoming. He is committed to embracing a philosophical shift from a culture deeply rooted in independence and self-reliance that fosters a narrative of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” to a culture of resilience and acceptance that supports a new narrative of “it’s okay to not be okay.”
The Governor’s initiative combined with the current Community Behavioral Health Reform creates potential for monumental change in behavioral health services for Wyoming residents. The next generation of Wyoming residents has the potential to maintain the independent spirit of the west while embracing the value of connectedness and helping your neighbor.
To learn more about Governor Gordon’s Mental Health Initiative and Wyoming’s commitment to advancing behavioral health services, review Wyoming’s Behavioral Health Systemic Reform Package, a report on embracing a culture of change to ensure all Wyoming residents have the ability to live their best lives.
There are five pillars that will drive changes for behavioral health in Wyoming. Each of these pillars is critical in establishing an infrastructure to support policy, program development, and local implementation.
There are five pillars that will drive changes for behavioral health in Wyoming. Each of these pillars is critical in establishing an infrastructure to support policy, program development, and local implementation.
Access
Access
Ensuring all Wyoming residents can receive services to support their health and well-being
Affordability
Affordability
Ensuring all Wyoming residents can afford the care needed to live their best lives
Quality
Quality
Ensuring all Wyoming residents have the highest quality individuals serving their needs
Innovation
Innovation
Ensuring Wyoming pursues new innovations and stays current with evolving best practices
Cultural Shift
Cultural Shift
Ensuring Wyoming normalizes conversations of helping oneself and helping others
The Governor’s initiative is focused on developing and strengthening the foundational components of a successful behavioral health system including developing a common language, developing and expanding support services, and ensuring adequate resources exist for decreasing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health services.
Through a strong foundation of collaboration, Wyoming will be able to align efforts, prioritize individuals with the greatest needs, find efficiency and minimize duplication of efforts.
Page updated
Report abuse