EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR HOLIDAY STRESS REDUCTION

1. Meditate on the personal meaning of the concept of holiday (holy day) and what it means to you. Plan and schedule your activities in alignment with that.

2. Replace the words "I should" and "I must" with "I choose". Be aware that life is full of choices, and we create our own reality.

3. Avoid or limit time with negative and energy draining people, including family members. If you have difficulty saying "no", counseling would be beneficial.

4. Pay attention to your body's needs and seek professional help if you feel overly stressed. Signs of increased stress are exhaustion, disturbed sleep, irritability, increased heart rate, digestive problems, and cravings for numbing substances (e.g. sugar, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol).

5. Notice any tendencies to eat or drink in excess. Seek to understand the feelings you may be trying to cover up through these behaviors.

6. Take time each day to engage in a practice that centers you, such as meditation, dance, prayer, yoga, writing in a journal, communing with nature, or walking leisurely.

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