6 Steps to Avoid Holiday Stress

By M-Power

I have 6 holiday stress tips to help you this holiday season. I could probably get away with just one if it’s this: Can the shoulds. Can them. Get rid of them. We too often put expectations on ourselves that overwhelm us. We feel frustrated because we are not where we should be. We are not doing things we should do. Do you see where the should creeps in all over the place? What if we were to take everything that’s on your should list and just throw it out. Toss it out the window. No more shoulds. What would happen? Oh, you might not get all of that stuff done? But it’s okay because it’s not a should anymore. Some may say, “Oh, but Dr. Paul, I want to do this.” Oh, well, that’s different. Do you want to do this stuff? Are you doing it because you should…

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BELLS for Holiday Stress

BELLS for Holiday Stress

By M-Power

Why do the holidays become stressful? Often the answer to that question is that we get tied up in all of the “to do”s and “by when”s that are implied in getting everything done. The holidays are for people, not the other way around. Let’s look at an acronym that can help us better handle holiday stress: B – Breathe – Take a moment to get perspective on what the holidays are all about. In addition to that, actually focusing for a moment on your breathing can help to move your brain from the protective fight or flight response into a more calm mode of functioning. E – Eating and Exercise – Your brain is part of your body. In fact it is the biggest energy hog of any organ in your system. Sometimes during the holidays we neglect the important physical care of our brain and body. Use moderation in eating…

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