BLOG 560 SANTA CLAUS

BLOG 560 SANTA CLAUS

Every December, the same familiar figure appears in lights, movies, songs, and shop windows around the world. He is known as a jolly man in a red suit, with a white beard, a big laugh, and an endless supply of gifts. But Santa Claus didn’t appear out of nowhere. His history is a mix of legend, culture, and a little bit of magic

Santa’s origins can be traced back more than 1,600 years to a real person named Saint Nicholas. He was a Christian bishop who lived in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his kindness, especially toward the poor and children. Stories tell of him secretly giving gifts to help families in need.

One famous legend describes him tossing bags of gold down a chimney, which landed in stockings. That story alone planted the seeds for many of today’s Christmas traditions. As cultures mixed and traditions traveled, Saint Nicholas evolved. In the Netherlands, he became Sinterklaas, a gift-bringer who arrived each winter. When Dutch settlers came to America, they brought Sinterklaas with them and over time, the name transformed into “Santa Claus.”

In the 19th century, writers and artists helped shape Santa into the figure we recognize today. Later illustrations dressed him in a red suit, gave him a round belly, and sealed his image as the friendly, magical grandfather of Christmas. Santa’s popularity isn’t just about presents. He represents something much deeper.

He stands for generosity. Santa gives without expecting anything in return. He brings people together. Families gather, traditions are shared, and communities feel a little closer during the holidays. For adults, he’s a reminder of childhood joy, imagination, and hope.

At his heart, Santa Claus is an idea: that kindness matters, that giving feels good, and that believing in something joyful can make life brighter. Whether you see him as a magical visitor from the North Pole, a symbol of the season, or a tradition passed down through generations, Santa continues to remind us of the best parts of being human. And that’s why, year after year, the world still leaves out cookies, hangs stockings, and believes.

BLOG 559 DRINKING WATER

BLOG 559 DRINKING WATER

We all too often hear that we need to drink more water. Staying well hydrated is beneficial for every cell in our body, good for our brain, and is necessary for our body to function efficiently. We have the choice of so many beverages that opting for plain water isn’t always appealing. There are 9 types of water we can drink, so maybe knowing the choices can steer us towards this liquid if there’s a particular type we might like.

1.      Purified water – This is considered safe water because it is water that has been treated so that anything harmful in it like bacteria, parasites, and fungi are removed. However, in this removal process, some of the beneficial substances are also removed. Fluoride would be an example that is removed which helps with tooth decay. Most people prefer purified water, while others consider it the more expensive option.

2.      Tap water – This is the water that is all around us. From our kitchen sink water to the water that flushes the toilet, tap water is everywhere. Most tap water in the U.S. is safe to drink although some people refuse to drink it. It is good for you and cheaper.

3.      Mineral water – This type is full of minerals, specifically calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Your body doesn’t make these so they’re good to have and they help with digestion. Many people love the taste but don’t prefer the cost of it.

4.      Sparkling water – This water is infused with carbon dioxide gas. Sometimes it is carbonated water or soda water. It gives a fizzy feeling without the sugar and sweeteners. Many brands mineralize the water which is beneficial. This type can be more expensive.

5.      Spring/glacier water – It is mostly clean and toxin free. It can be found in stores, but some types are not tested or filtered. It can also be more expensive depending on the brand.

6.      Alkaline water - It has alkaline minerals and negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP). It has a higher pH than tap water. There is little proof, but some believe that alkaline water can neutralize the acid in your body. However, it can also reduce stomach acidity which then lowers the ability of the stomach lining to kill bad bacteria.

7.      Distilled water – This is water that has been boiled. It is condensed back to liquid. It is more used in cars, aquariums, and for steam ironing. It is drinkable too.

8.      Well water – This comes from the ground so although it may be available even in your own back yard, it might not be safe to drink. It is likely contaminated for drinking purposes.

9.      Flavored water – This is flavored with sugar and/or artificial sweeteners as well as natural and/or artificial flavorings. It gives flavor to your water which tastes good, but it’s not good for maintaining a healthy weight or diabetes.

We need to drink water all day, every day. For some, this is easy but for others water isn’t their beverage of choice. The benefits of water for our body and mind are critical. Water refreshes our quench and every all the muscles, joints, and cells we have. Make a toast to drink water for our health and happiness, inside and out.

BLOG 558 EMOTIONAL EATING

BLOG 558 EMOTIONAL EATING

Emotional eating isn’t just about food….it’s about feelings. The late-night ice cream binge or the bottomless bag of chips during a stressful day isn’t always driven by physical hunger. It’s often a response to emotional discomfort, a way to soothe, distract, or even punish us. But why do we turn to food when our hearts, not our stomachs, are aching?

Emotional eating is the act of consuming food in response to feelings rather than hunger. These foods are usually high in sugar, fat, or carbs. Feelings can range from stress and sadness to boredom and loneliness. Unlike physical hunger, which builds gradually and is satisfied by any food, emotional hunger strikes suddenly and craves specific comfort foods.

There are common emotional triggers and psychological patterns that lead to emotional eating. Stress and cortisol overload are big contributors. When we’re stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite and cravings for fatty, sugary foods. It’s a survival mechanism. However, in modern life, it often leads to overeating. Comfort and nostalgia with certain foods are tied to memories. Examples could be mac and cheese from childhood, or cookies baked by a loved one. Eating them can recreate a sense of safety or warmth.

Emotional eating can be a distraction from pain. It can act as a numbing agent. Instead of facing anxiety, grief, or anger, we distract ourselves by eating food. It’s a temporary escape from discomfort. Emotional eating can be a reward and self-soothing. Many people use food as a reward. Ever said to yourself, “I’ve had a hard day, I deserve this”? It becomes a way to self-soothe when other coping mechanisms aren’t available or feel too hard. Plus, boredom and lack of stimulation can stimulate emotional eating. When life feels dull or unstimulating, eating provides a quick hit of pleasure. It fills the void.

Emotional eating often leads to guilt, shame, and regret, which can trigger more emotional distress and more eating. This creates a vicious cycle which involves the following:

1. Emotional trigger (stress, sadness, etc.)
2. Eating for comfort
3. Temporary relief
4. Guilt or shame
5. Emotional distress returns
6. Repeat

Understanding the “why” is the first step toward change. There are suggestions for strategies to make change. Practice mindful eating. Pay attention to hunger cues, emotional states, and the sensory experience of eating. Emotional awareness helps. Journal or talk about your feelings instead of suppressing them. There are also alternative coping tools such as walking, meditating, calling a friend, or engaging in hobbies when emotions run high. Self-compassion goes a long way too. Replace judgment with kindness. Emotional eating doesn’t make you weak, rather, it makes you human.

Emotional eating isn’t a failure of willpower. Something deeper is going on beneath the surface and a signal is going off. Listening to that signal. Then one can begin to heal not just their relationship with food, but with themselves.