Mindfulness and Holiday Stress

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, aware of where you are and what you’re doing, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed with what’s going on around you. Practicing mindfulness doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to remember to do it, especially during the holiday season. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stress of the holidays and not take time for ourselves. Taking a deep breath or giving yourself a timeout has many benefits. It can be as easy as one minute a day through meditation or a yoga class during your lunch break. There are many ways you can be mindful. You just need to find one or two that work best for you.

Being mindful is an incredible tool to help you better understand and deal with emotions in a healthy way. Check out the list below on the benefits of being mindful, according to Psychology Today.

• Decreased stress levels. Yes, even during the holidays. Make sure to take time for yourself every day, even if it’s only for a minute or two.
• Boost in your immune system. You are better equipped to fight off illnesses like the flu. 
• Permission to slow down and be present. Through meditation or other breathing exercises, you can remind yourself to be calm and present.
• Improved ability to focus. When you quiet your mind, you’re able to recharge your brain and refocus your energy.
• Enhanced capacity to enjoy the little things. When you’re able to calm your body and mind, it opens your eyes and heart to what really matters.

Take the time for yourself either through meditation, yoga, journaling or going for a walk. Mindfulness can be a part of your everyday routine. You just need to make the time and be open to it. Be patient and kind to yourself. Visit the Live and Work Well website and enter code “Medica” for additional resources, including self-help services, interactive tools and much more to help with holiday stress.

This Month's Articles

2020 Medica ID Cards – Coming Soon
Check your mailbox for your new Medica ID card. All members with pharmacy benefits through Medica will get a new ID card for 2020. As a friendly reminder, we’re transitioning to Express Scripts® on Jan. 1, 2020 to manage your pharmacy benefits.

Learn more about what to do if your group or policy number changes.


My Health Rewards by Medica®
My Health Rewards by Medica® is a health and wellness program that rewards you for healthy behaviors. Exciting changes to the program are coming on Jan. 1, 2020! You’ll have all the tools you need to get active, get healthy and live better every day, including a mobile app and new ways to earn rewards.

Find out what you need to do before the end of the year to get the most out of your My Health Rewards.

The Power of Community – Medica’s Year in Review
Earlier this year, we released the annual “Power of Community” report highlighting our commitment to social responsibility and employee engagement. “We have a deep commitment to our employees, many choosing to work at Medica because they want to work for a company that values corporate citizenship,” said Christine Finn, Vice President of Marketing and Communications and executive sponsor of Medica’s volunteer program.

Learn more about how Medica is giving back to our community and supporting critical health needs.