Harried for the Holidays?

[Guest guest]

"We Wish You A Stress-free Christmas, New Year (Written by Jura Koncius, The Washington Post) "Holiday stress kicks in at my house sometime in October when Mom sends her annual e-mail: "I've just finished my Christmas shopping. How is yours going, dear?" "For a lot of people, the dominant emotions between Thanksgiving and Christmas are anxiety, worry and dread in a brew commonly called stress." "As if we all needed proof, the American Psychological Association staged a holiday-stress survey last year, identifying the top six stressors: money, gift-giving, lack of time, families, diet, and children's issues. More than one in five Americans say they are worried the holidays will adversely affect their

health." "Holiday stress has been an increasingly relevant issue for people," says Russ Newman of the American Psychological Association. His polling has found that although workplace issues stress us out most of the year, seasonal issues move to the foreground in December." "And how do we cope? Prayer and exercise are the two top answers, according to the survey, followed by eating, drinking alcohol, massage/yoga, therapy, music, time with friends/family/pets, venting to friends/family/ (what, no dog?), hobbies and antidepressants. One percent said they use sex to relieve stress; another 1 percent turn to computer games." "The most successful families, Newman says, ease holiday stress by setting realistic expectations and keeping things in perspective." "Their message? Somtimes the holiday cookies have to be Slice 'n Bake. Sometime you need to ask others for help.

There is no such thing as the perfect tree. Everyone has to pitch in. Try to enjoy the getting there, not just the goal." "And remember, you're not the only one who is over scheduled, over spent, partied out or just plain anxious about the obligations of gift-giving and otherwise pleasing friends and family members. Your friends and family might welcome the suggestion of new traditions for Christmas 2006." "For example, instead of shopping for presents for everyone you know, agree to gather with friends for food and fellowship. Within your family, draw names so that each person buys only one gift. Donate what you would have spent on the others to needy families." The Detroit News contributed to this report. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AffirmationstoDe-Stress

A positive thinking, positive affirmations support group, that discusses ways to cope with the stresses of daily life. Come aboard! PJ and Gang