Filipinos continue to value good health as their top blessing this holiday season, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from December 12 to 18. The poll, released on December 24, revealed that 47 percent of respondents cited health as what they are most grateful for, a slight decline from 51 percent in 2023.
Other sources of gratitude included family (25 percent), being alive (24 percent), and job or income (seven percent). A smaller percentage expressed thankfulness for God, having food, and coping with hardships, among other blessings.
The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, reminded the public about the “holiday blues,” a common phenomenon that can bring feelings of sadness, stress, or loneliness during the festive season. Symptoms include recurring sadness, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
To manage these feelings, the DOH suggested self-care practices such as exercising, socializing, and prioritizing sleep and nutrition. They also recommended setting realistic expectations, limiting alcohol consumption, and seeking therapy if needed.
