On the Eighth Day of Christmas, the Season gave to me
- Eight tips to beat stress
- The Feast of the Seven Fishes
- Six cows stolen
- Five suspected terrorists out on bail
- Four Vikings in love boat trouble
- 3 made up stories
- 2 Strippers in Santa Hats
- and Tookie lit up like a Christmas Tree
Here are eight simple tips for knocking out holiday stress from John P. Forsyth, director of the anxiety disorders research program at the University at Albany, State University of New York:
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Feel free to say "no" to gatherings to avoid over-scheduling.
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Take control of your own actions and reactions, but realize you can’t control others.
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Make time for yourself. Take a nap, have some tea or enjoy a bubble bath.
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Live in the present. Worrying about the future or past will increase your anxiety.
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Make sure your activities reflect what you most value in life.
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Watch your body language and actions for clues that you’re stressed – foot-tapping, overeating, etc., are all signs.
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Enjoy the process of your activities – making cookies, wrapping presents, etc. – without focusing on making the outcome perfect.
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Practice random acts of kindness for yourself and others.
Now you are all set for the Season.
