Tips to Reduce Stress this Holiday Season

Six tips to help reduce stress this Holiday Season from gift giving to meal planning

(PRWEB) December 1, 2004 -- Tip Number One:Take time to smell the Holly
Each year we stress out during the holiday season yet, when January 2nd rolls around we all wish we had slowed down to spend more time enjoying ourselves, friends and family. This year, when you get stressed, just take a few seconds to recall that feeling of regret. This remembrance will help you to slow down and de-stress.

Tip Number Two: Laugh It Off
Take a cue from Old St. Nick and laugh. Yes, according to Steve Wilson, physiologist and board member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, "when you look at all the research on laughter, it strongly leads us to the conclusion that one of the main purposes of laughter is the discharge of tension. If you laugh long enough and hard enough you reverse the physiology of stress. And anything that can reduce the ill-effects of stress is an ally in health and happiness." If you need a little help, you might want to pick up an audio CD called "Laugh It Off" which could be this year's best stocking stuffer. The CD contains 60 minutes of contagious laughter and it will lighten your mood and enable you to leave stress behind. It's available for $10.00 at http://www.heyugly.org and proceeds go to Hey U.G.L.Y., the nonprofit organization that helps teens with self-esteem and self-respect issues. (U.G.L.Y. stands for Unique Gifted Lovable You.)

Tip Number Three: Make a list and check it twice
Sit down and make a list of each person you want to buy a gift for. Then write down the amount of money you want to allot to that person and list a few items you know they'll like. Think about what would make them smile as they open your gift. Funny, simple and inexpensive gifts that reflect someone's personality can often go a long way.

Tip Number Four: Combine your shopping
Examine the list you made in tip number three above. Look for ways you can combine your shopping. For example, if you've decided to get Dasher and Dancer sweaters while you think Prancer and Vixen would prefer toys, map out your shopping to save time. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring healthy snacks like sliced veggies, fruit and protein bars to keep your energy level up. Having snacks with you will help you avoid those hunger pangs that may tempt you to fill up on fast food, which does nothing more than slow you down. If you are shopping online allow ample time for shipping and delivery.

Tip Number Five: Potluck dinners can be fun
Why not make this year's holiday meal a potluck event? Ask your guests what they like to make at the holidays and encourage them to bring that dish. You'd be surprised at the culinary holiday traditions that emerge as each guest shares their stories about what they prepared. If baking is not your thing, most grocery stores today have a wonderful selection of holiday cookies, cakes and pies. Placed on a holiday plate, your guests will think these dessert items came right out of your own kitchen.

Tip Number Six: He sees you while you're sleeping
Make sure you get plenty of sleep. Eight hours every night and, if you need it, a twenty minute nap in the afternoon can make a world of difference in your energy levels.

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