Five Senses Challenge
Is it just me, or does hearing “2020” send chills down your spine? This year has evoked so many emotions that have challenged everyone. People have had to learn how to care for themselves in new and creative ways just to survive. I have heard so many people say, “I just need to get through this year”, and while I think many of us can agree, it is important to embrace the change. This holiday season I encourage everyone to try the Five Senses Challenge.
The Five Senses Challenge:
For the 5 days before Christmas, let’s embrace 1 of the 5 senses: sight, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
Day 1: Sight
Notice what you see around you. Has it finally started to snow? Is your neighborhood decorated with lights? Or do you not have neighbors, and live in a more rural area? If so, do you get to see the beautiful stars in the night sky? Does seeing these things remind you of fond memories or bittersweet times?
Day 2: Hear
Personally, during the holiday season, when I hear Bing Crosby sing, I can’t help but picture my grandmothers’ home, decorated from top to bottom, listening to the crackle of the fire my dad built. Is there a song you have to listen to every year? Or a sound when adventuring outside that causes you to pause in appreciation?
Day 3: Smell
When the winter months come, so do cozy treats and drinks! Are you a hot chocolate fan or more of an eggnog fan? Do you love the smell of homemade gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies? No matter your preferences, embrace the seasonal change.
Day 4: Taste
This is my favorite part, tasting! Whether you enjoy sweet or savory, taking your first bite of a meal can transport you. Take in all the favors and remember why this became a favorite in your life.
Day 5: Feel
There are so many textures in this world, and we interact with many of them. Is there a fabric that reminds you of someone special or do you have a clothing item that was made special for you? 2020 has been a year that we will not forget. We are separated from our loved ones and having to spend our holidays alone. This challenge is not intended to cause additional grief or emotional strain, but to reconnect you with those happy memories. Complete this challenge at your own pace and take what you need from it.
Tag us
All of us at LIV know that the holidays are not the happiest times for everyone. For some, the holidays are filled with grief, missing loved ones who have passed, or who we just can’t be around because of the circumstances of today. But, our hope is that this challenge helps you to find the good, to remember the amazing times surrounded by happiness. We would love to know what your favorite day of this challenge was. Tag us on social media, with a photo, or comment with your favorite sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. If you have a favorite family recipe or something that just tasted super yummy, we would love to see that too! We’re all about the food here!
We hope you have a very merry holiday season, even though it may look different this year, we are so grateful for you!
Written by: Sheridan Roling,
LIV Health Case Manager