Holiday stress buster strategies...

There's a lot of stress out there right now.  Holiday madness, economic woes, negative news.  I've spent several hours online with various tech support people after a major virus broke through my virus software on my laptop.  I can tell you it has not been fun...

We can't change some of the stressful incidents out there.  But there are four things we can do to manage stress as I see it.

1. First is to decide the meaning for the stressful events as they happen - and choose a meaning that feels good
2. Try not to take things personally
3. Don't be the cause of stress for ourselves and other. That means be safe and keep the drama in check.
4. Choose gratitude and kindness over negativity and hateful messages.  Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays beats the rude gesture every time...

Suppose someone grabs the parking space you had your eye on.  Maybe they didn't see you because they were looking at their child in the back seat.  Maybe they were deep in thought and didn't know your intention.  Let them in...it's only a parking space. You'll find another.  Don't try to go in the space anyway like 2 cars in front of me tried to do today.  Almost a collision...not smart. 

Be as kind as you can to those around you - the clerks, your co-workers, your family members.  It's not always easy especially when they're irritating you to no end.  Or maybe you could decide they're not really irritating...but entertaining (you put the meaning on everything after all).  When you're kind - even to people who don't appear to deserve it - it begins to radiate back to you...

And please be careful out there... be the driver you wish everyone else around you is.  No texting, no cell phones, no drinking while driving, of course.  Let's make this a memorable holiday season for all the right reasons...  breathe, smile, go!!  And leave the stress behind you....

Marianne