It’s December, the holiday season is upon us and two buzz words are on the move – “Holiday Stress!”

There’s a wealth of resources out there on how to manage holiday stress and allow room for joy and love to go around. Really, it’s great stuff!

It happens every year and it makes me wonder. Are people applying the tips and ideas? Are people taking their own advice? Do we really want to manage this thing or do we just want to talk and complain about it? Is it possible that there’s a sense of self-worth derived from being stressed?

If we all agree that the best gift we can give to ourselves and each other is love, why on earth are we driving ourselves crazy?

Over the years, I watched myself dealing with this paradox. Over time and with practice,  I’ve been able to change a few things from the inside out and since I pride myself for being a good cook, I thought I could resurrect an old recipe of mine and share it with you.

“Chase the frenzy away!”

• Take lots of deep breaths, deep, full breaths – at least 5 times a day! (When all else fails the simple act of focusing on our breath can do miracles for our mental state.)
• Give up at least 4 cups of control per day!
• Ask for help at least 3 times a day! It’s never too late to start.
• Give up perfection (for now!).
  Begin with a couple of teaspoons and increase to as many tablespoons as you can handle.
• Drink at least three cups of laughter a day.
• Add a dash of gratitude to whatever you’re doing!
• Keep it simple!!

Feel free to pass this recipe along. It’s full-proof!

May your holidays be filled with grace and laughter!

© 2011 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included. Contact yota@openforsuccess.com

Photo credit © Alena Ozerova – Fotolia.com

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