National statistics prove that the end of the year can be deadly! Increases in heart attacks, suicides, and traffic fatalities during this time are well documented. These months can be filled with joy and celebration as we spend quality time with loved ones.  Many people dread this time of the year. The reason can be summed up in one word – stress. 

     Stress comes in many forms, and can be a good thing or a deadly force. Stress motivates us to explore new experiences, be excited about future goals, and to think of creative ways to express our love. When stress reaches intolerable levels it becomes a deadly force. We start to self-destruct, entertain thoughts of escape, have memory lapses, and ultimately lose hope. 

     Health experts have repeatedly stressed the need to diminish the toxic stress inherent in our modern-day lives, and thereby reduce the detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. In my 20 years as a therapist I have witnessed what poor stress management can do to a person. We each react differently to daily stress, and there is no one single remedy. No one can control your stress but you! My professional strategy for dealing with the extra stress of the Holiday Season is as follows:

1.TAKE A SIESTA. Schedule a 15–30 minute nap during the day. Resting the body for 6-8 hours and expecting it to function at high speed for 16-18 hours is a recipe for disaster. Even kids in kindergarten know this! 
2. MEDITATE. Those who practice a daily meditation ritual are better able to handle unexpected events that trigger emotional stress reactions. The ability to ‘tune in’ to a ‘quiet place within’ is an invaluable stress-buster!
3.GET A MASSAGE. Therapeutic massage administered by a licensed professional engages the same area of the nervous system that heals your body while you sleep, boosts the immune system, and lowers blood pressure. Modern people are rediscovering the many benefits of this ancient form of healing. Every mother knows that touch soothes!
4. EXERCISE. Even gentle exercise like yoga and tai chi releases endorphins into your system. Utilizing your body’s natural painkilling chemicals helps you feel good and prevents depression. Increasing your oxygen intake removes stress toxins from your body. Sweat and smile!
5. CHIROPRACTIC.  Correct spinal alignment prevents painful vertebral pressure on the nerves, allows the muscles along the spine to lengthen and relax, and facilitates the flow of nourishing spinal fluid. A healthy back equals a healthy body!
6. TALK TO SOMEONE. Expressing your feelings, wants, and desires provides an outlet for repressed energy stored in the body and mind. Find a sympathetic friend who won’t criticize or give advice. Call a hotline and confess anonymously. Seek professional or spiritual council. Let it out!
7. DO NOTHING. This is probably the hardest one. Take a ‘day off’ and relax. Put your feet up and read, listen to music, or take a long bath. Listen to your body’s warning signs (exhaustion, irritability, headache, etc.) and give it a rest. Your body will force you to rest by getting sick if you choose to push too hard for too long. Just allow yourself to BE (no doing)!
8. LOOK FOR JOY. Attitude is everything when it comes to the body/mind connection. Your cells hear every thought and word! Be aware of your actions and reactions. Reprogram yourself to look for things that make you feel good every day. Joy is contagious and speaks all languages. 

JOY TO THE WORLD!

©2005 RuthE Kemp NCMT,Reedville  All Rights Reserved