2010 Holiday Stress Survival

By December 16, 2010Uncategorized

Long lines at the post office. Long lines at the checkout stands. Lines to get groped at airport security (it’s true, I was groped last week, AFTER the x-ray scan, no less!) Everybody is in a rush to get to a store or return home from shopping. As we inch closer into the holiday season people are getting a little more edgy, a little less patient, a little more cranky and a little less compassionate, or so it seems. How ironic that a season based on love and compassion often reveals its shadow side. I was walking my dog through the neighborhood to the park the other day and noticed one of my neighbors has a digital countdown clock, counting the days and hours till Christmas. With tongue in cheek, it reminded me of one of those red panel digital ticking bomb clocks flashing during the climax of a movie thriller. But, as we say in stress management circles, “You have a choice!” Remember, you don’t have to play the consumer game, and you certainly don’t have to single-handedly support the US economy. You don’t have to get stressed!

• Stress Tip for the Day:
Don’t worry if the Christmas cards don’t get mailed till New Year’s Day. Avoid using your credit card if at all possible (Cash only from here on out). Remember that refined sugar can suppress the immune system, so opt for fruits and veggies at the holiday parties. Fine tune expectations when things don’t go the way you wanted. Be pleasantly assertive with controlling family members! Exercise patience (waiting in line is a great time to practice your meditation skills). Practice healthy boundaries, and above all else, exercise compassion. It’s the message of the season.

One of my colleagues, Mary Elaine is hosting an online holiday stress survival presentation (see details below).
Strategies to Heal Your Holiday Spirit*Thursday, December 16, 2010**2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)*Phone # and access code will be sent following registration**You’ll benefit most with live attendance during this interactive presentation. **However, I’ll also be sending ALL registrants a downloadable mp3 link of the teleclass recording later next week.
To register: http://www.snipurl.com/sw-holiday

• Links/Books/ Movies Worth Noting:
The week before Christmas, I stack up some of my favorite holiday movies to recalibrate the holiday spirit… here are some of my favorites:
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
2. Love, Actually
3. Miracle on 34th Street
4. Millions

5. White Christmas

• Quote for the Day:
“Santa is an anagram for Satan.” — Steve Martin

• Photo of the Day:
Perhaps this poor Nutcracker was groped at airport security too. Enjoy!
This blog will go on holiday until Jan 4th.. See you then.. Happy Holidays!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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