Science suggests that many aspects of the holidays can be beneficial to physical and mental health. — Photo: Deagreez / Getty Images, via ETX Daily UP
With store decorations, Christmas trees and Advent calendars, the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun, creating a magical feeling among adults and children alike. And the good news is that these festive moments can have some surprising health benefits, scientists say.
Have you ever found your spirit buoyed by a heartwarming Christmas movie, a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand, in the midst of a living room adorned with all kinds of illuminated garlands?
These cozy moments offer relaxation and a touch of wonder, even for those who see the whole affair as being a bit kitsch or a sentimental cliché.
End-of-year festivities might not be to everyone's taste, but they do have the benefit – for some people at least – of providing a welcome break from the hectic pace of everyday life. And these moments can have positive effects on our mental and physical health, as numerous scientific experts have revealed.
One of the benefits of binge-watching Christmas movies is that it stimulates the release of dopamine, more commonly known as the "feel-good hormone," scientists and health professionals agree.
Several studies have looked into the subject, reporting that these stories are good for boosting our mood and, more specifically, for our brain.
As psychotherapist Dr. Jo Gee explained to British media outlet LADbible in 2019: "Watching Christmas films can actually make you feel happy, due to the neurological effect the viewing has on the brain.
When we watch enjoyable films, it causes our brain to release dopamine and oxytocin, our feel-good hormones which lift our mood, and make us want to connect with others."
All of which is a good reason to watch Happiest Season, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas without feeling guilty.
Some wait until the last moment to put up the traditional Christmas tree in their home, while others like to set it up as soon as possible, adorning their interior with a host of garlands and other seasonal objects to help them get into the holiday mood.
The ensemble creates a warm, snug atmosphere, which can boost our mood. "Decorating around the holidays can give us a little spike of feel-good hormones that can scientifically boost our mood," psychiatrist Neha Chaudhary told the online publication Well+Good.
Between comfort, conviviality and nostalgia, this shared moment also stimulates release of the famous feel-good hormone, essential for lifting your mood.
The festive season is not only good for boosting our mood and our mental health, it can also improve our physical health. One way is through the spices we tend to consume at this time of year.
Cinnamon is believed to be rich in antioxidants, which help combat damage caused by free radicals. It is also understood to have anti-inflammatory properties, as does nutmeg, which can aid digestion and sleep.
Cloves are claimed to help soothe pain (for instance in the teeth, throat) and to have antibacterial properties that help fight certain infections. It should be noted, however, that in terms of diet, the festive season is also a period rich in fat, alcohol and sugar, so it's wise to try to keep overindulgence to a minimum. – AFP
