Hi Friends,
As promised, our mental health challenge continues! In December, a month dedicated to family and holiday celebrations, we've decided to share our favorite kid cartoons with you. Take a moment to read and discover your challenges for this month! Remember, practice makes perfect, and whatever your goal may be, we're here to support your journey to success. Embrace the spirit of learning, growth, and success, and let's take a trip down memory lane to simpler times when you were a kid. Can you recall any of these beloved classics?
 
D.E.C.E.M.B.E.R.
Cartoon Character Self-Care

“Adventures of the Gummi Bears”
"Gumisie," known as "The Gummi Bears" in English, is a popular animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. The show originally aired in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It features a group of anthropomorphic bears known as the Gummi Bears who live in a hidden, medieval-like kingdom called Gummi Glen. These bears have a secret potion known as "Gummiberry Juice," which gives them superhuman strength and agility. They use these abilities to protect their kingdom and keep their existence hidden from humans. The show combines elements of adventure, humor, and magic, making it a classic animated series cherished by viewers of all ages.
“Be Cool, Scooby-Doo"
"Scooby-Doo" is a highly popular and enduring animated television series that first premiered in 1969. The series has spawned numerous adaptations, spin-offs, and reboots, captivating generations of viewers. The show follows the adventures of a group of teenagers and their talking Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, as they solve mysteries involving supposedly supernatural creatures. The group, known as Mystery Inc., includes Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and the lovable, food-loving Scooby-Doo. Together, they travel in their iconic van, the Mystery Machine, and unveil the true identities of the villains behind the masks, often revealing them to be ordinary people with specific motives. "Eating Crow" is an intriguing episode, in which the gang finds themselves investigating a bizarre series of events tied to Crystal Sarcophagus, a revered artifact in the town of Crystal Spires. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they discover that ancient forces are at play, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful adventure.
“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe"
Castle Grayskull is a central and iconic location in the "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" franchise. "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" is an iconic animated television series that first aired in 1983. The show is set in the magical world of Eternia and follows the adventures of Prince Adam, who transforms into the mighty He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, by wielding the Sword of Power. He and his allies, including Man-At-Arms, Teela, Orko, and the Sorceress, defend Eternia from the evil forces led by the ruthless Skeletor and his henchmen. With the help of his friends and the power of Grayskull, He-Man battles to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull and ensure the safety of Eternia.
E is for “Empath Goes Wild" in “The Smurfs”
“The Smurfs"
"The Smurfs" is a beloved and timeless animated franchise that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford), these small, blue-skinned creatures known as Smurfs live in a magical village hidden within a lush forest. The Smurfs, each with their distinct personalities and names reflecting their traits, embark on charming and adventurous tales while embodying essential life lessons and values. Their nemesis, the comically evil wizard Gargamel and his cat Azrael, constantly seek to capture the Smurfs. The franchise has expanded to include animated TV series, comic books, films, and a vast array of merchandise, cementing its place in popular culture. With its whimsical stories and endearing characters, "The Smurfs" remains a cherished part of childhood memories for many and continues to enchant new generations of fans.
“Muminki" or “Moomins”
"Muminki," also known as "Moomins," is a popular Finnish-Swedish animated television series based on the Moomin book series by Finnish author Tove Jansson. The Moomins are fictional, hippo-like creatures that live in the idyllic Moominvalley. The animated series follows the adventures and daily life of Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, and their friends. The show has a gentle and whimsical atmosphere, often exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and environmental awareness. "Muminki" has garnered a global following for its charming characters and delightful storytelling. The series has been adapted into several different animated versions, including the most recent 2019 series, ensuring its continued popularity among new generations of viewers.
“Bolek and Lolek"
"Bolek and Lolek" is a beloved Polish animated series that follows the adventures of two young boys, Bolek and Lolek. Created in the 1960s, the show features the mischievous duo embarking on exciting journeys using their vivid imagination. They can shrink in size or travel back in time, which leads to a wide range of thrilling escapades and lessons along the way. The charm of "Bolek and Lolek" lies in its ability to entertain both children and adults, making it a timeless classic in the world of animation. The series has left a lasting impression on multiple generations of viewers, both in Poland and internationally.
“Once Upon a Time”
"Once Upon a Time... Life" is a French animated series that educates children about the human body. Created by Albert Barillé, this animated show is part of the "Once Upon a Time..." series, which also includes titles like "Once Upon a Time... Man" and "Once Upon a Time... Space." In "Once Upon a Time... Life," viewers are taken on a journey through the human body, where each episode explores a different aspect of human biology and physiology. The series uses colorful and engaging animation to explain complex concepts, making it an excellent educational tool for children and adults alike. While originally created in French, "Once Upon a Time... Life" has been translated into various languages and has been used in schools and homes to teach about the inner workings of the human body.
“The Chronicles of Narnia”
Reepicheep is a courageous and chivalrous talking mouse who serves as a valiant member of Narnia's army. Narnia, often referred to as the "World of Narnia," is a fictional realm created by British author C.S. Lewis. It serves as the setting for his highly popular and enduring series, "The Chronicles of Narnia." Narnia is a magical world inhabited by a diverse array of creatures, including talking animals, mythical beings, and humans.
 
The December Challenge
This month, we invite you to embrace the nostalgia and positivity of your favorite kid cartoons by incorporating their themes into your self-care routine. Here's how it works:
  1. Choose Your Cartoon Character: Pick a beloved cartoon character from your childhood. It could be a classic like Mickey Mouse, Scooby-Doo, or SpongeBob SquarePants, or any character that holds a special place in your heart.
  2. Reflect on Their Qualities: Think about what qualities or traits make this character special. Are they brave, funny, kind, or adventurous? How can you embody some of these qualities in your daily life?
  3. Daily Affirmations: Create a daily affirmation inspired by your chosen character. For example, if you choose Winnie the Pooh, your affirmation could be, "I embrace the simple joys in life just like Pooh."
  4. Cartoon Time: Dedicate some time to watch episodes of the cartoon series featuring your chosen character. Let it be a source of joy and nostalgia.
  5. Cartoon-Inspired Activities: Plan activities that relate to your character's interests. If it's Scooby-Doo, consider going on a mystery-solving hike or picnic.
  6. Share the Fun: Invite a friend or family member to join you in watching and enjoying the cartoons. Share your childhood memories and discuss how these characters make you feel.
  7. Journaling: Keep a journal throughout the month to record your experiences and thoughts. Reflect on the impact of this challenge on your well-being.
Remember, the goal of this challenge is to infuse your daily life with the positivity, resilience, and joy often found in kid cartoons. Embracing the spirit of these characters can be a lighthearted and effective way to enhance your mental well-being.
 
Happy Holidays!
HWS Founder,
Alicja
Image item
 
Alicja Matusiak LISW-S, PMHNP-BC is a founder of Holistic Wellness Solutions. She has been interested in studying the mysteries of the human mind ever since her father was diagnosed with depression. She acquired a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing, and committed herself to serve others who struggle with mental health issues.
 
If you have a question that you want answered by a mental health practitioner on our podcast, please submit it to sophie@holisticws.com or visit this link