POWERGRAMS

For many, the holidays are busy and joyful but also stressful. It can also be bittersweet for those who feel alone or are grieving loved ones as they adjust to a new normal, such as life without a spouse. Wellbeing Strategist Cindy Harmon- Manwaring shared tips to better enjoy the holidays, all centered on mindset. When feeling stressed, Harmon-Manwaring suggested reflecting on the past year and listing three to five things to be grateful for, such as people, places, experiences or circumstances. "Let that be where your mind rests, rather than on the stressors. Let gratitude be your focus," she suggested. "The power of gratitude is one of the most impactful things we can do to change how we are feeling about a situation. Feeling gratitude doesn't necessarily change the situation, but it changes our hearts. And it helps to literally decrease stress levels within our bodies." When hosting, it's easy to feel anxious with 20 family members coming and a big meal to prepare – or you may not have anyone to share a holiday meal with. Take a moment to focus on what you're grateful for. "When we shift our focus to someone else – whether it's thinking about what we can do for them or recognizing the opportunity to bring our family together – it's remarkable how quickly stress and anxiety give way to gratitude, a sense of usefulness and a renewed feeling of purpose," Harmon-Manwaring said. Employees and retirees have access to strong volunteer networks – Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) and Energizers – where they can serve year round. Opportunities are available at JustServe.org, which connects nonprofits with volunteers. The site matches users with projects close to home, allows them to serve remotely or helps them choose a specific day to volunteer. "No matter what our age, we all need to feel a sense of purpose," Harmon-Manwaring said. "One thing that anyone can do is be a good listener." She suggested calling someone – a family member, friend or someone in the church community – and ask how they are doing. "Get into that routine of just being a listening ear," she added. "Reflect with gratitude and look ahead with purpose," Harmon-Manwaring said. "We don't need an invitation to help others – just a willingness. Be thankful for the past, the present and all that's to come." By Donna Cope Western APSO's Mercedi McBrayer (left), Scott Knight, Mitzi Jones and Ben Marsh beautified Sunset Manor Nursing Home. (contributed) PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 12 BIRMINGHAM, AL 600 North 18th Street Birmingham, AL 35203 Attn: MN-0668 Powergrams Staff Editor: Donna Cope, 205-383-5546 Writers: Donna Cope and Mike Tomberlin Photo editor: Phil Free Layout: Dan Guffey Make the holidays brighter by thinking of others Cindy Harmon-Manwaring Western APSO volunteers helped prevent food insecurity by assisting Jones Valley Teaching Farm. (contributed)

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