Open discussion: How do you chill out during the holidays?

Chocolate!

I’ve learned that there is such a thing as Cocoa Via Dark Chocolate bars that are made by Mars that are very good for the heart as they have what is called plant sterol in them. Yeah they are a bit expensive, but they are also good for you. Each bar is able to be divided into four equal parts and I go through one in about one or two weeks. Chocolate after all brings that positive mental outlook on life don’t ya know, also.

Next is about two ounces of Kentucky Bourbon in the evening before I hit the sack. Doc says that for me one or two a day about two or three hours apart is fine for me. Relaxing after all is also good.

I don't bean count. I give to who I can when I can, not just on holidays. Everyone I know realizes that things are tough all over right now, so if I just can't give to someone right now it's okay. I also don't expect anything from anyone. I have my tree up from last year, I get to bake cookies and that's about it.

Well I'll never turn down the advice to "eat chocolate." And bourbon, well, if it is what the doctor ordered....

That's really good advice Gretchen. Realistic expectations, cutting out internal pressure, and a positive outlook really add up.

Learn how to get unstressed.

Think about why you are stressed and see if that is a reason to be stresses, and if not forget about it. However, if that reason is a good reason to be stresses then one can lay down and think that they are a block of cement and see how that would feel. Or one could lay down and think of being in a nice quite place.

After all you’re the one that is stressed not me, so get unstressed already.

Richard, I think the "how" in learn how is what this discussion is all about. I hope! Still looking for more suggestions.

I try to keep things mellow from the beginning to the end. Don't buy tons of presents, don't get expectations too high. Just enjoy the holiday for what it should be, not what it's become.

I was going to just say that it is time for my nap, however, I will, but also add the following.

There are reasons and situations in life that are stressful like a spouse or child dying of illness or heavy financial problems or even getting a new job or losing a job or getting married. Coping with those issues is not any answer to the stress that shows up.

A positive mental attitude is an easy thing to say and at stressful times can be a very difficult thing to do. However, there are places in ones mind that one can go to, to relieve ths stress. There are also people that one can talk to to relieve stress. Relieving stress is not really an easy thing for folks to do, and stress can and does shorten the life of many, therefore it in reality should be detected as a problem by the one that is stressed and that person is the only one that can really do something to relieve the stress. A quit place and meditation and understanding why one is stressed are important things in relieving stress.

One needs to know that they are stresses, and after that, that person is the only one that can treat that stress. To relieve stress one needs to change their mind to a positive mental outlook and at many times that means that the person which is stressed will need to exercise their mind to relieve that stress. However, at many time this is only good for a short period of time as the stressful situation really doesn’t go away, but needs to be dealt with, therefore, the exercise to relieve that stress will need to be done over and over again and again.

Breathe, breathe, breathe and enter the "zone." Right brain. It's supposed to be possible and I sometimes accomplish it. If things are too stressful, I head to the movies.

the winter holidays are celebrations of love and connection and faith. all of that leads to peace, and all of that can be done by something as direct as giving friend or stranger a smile or a kind word.

The link to this is posted in the Today On Gather post that I will release in a few minutes. Please check to make sure that I have posted it to your approval.

"Just enjoy the holiday for what it should be, not what it's become." - Joseph H. That's very simple and elegant Joseph. For many of us it might be easier said than done...

You're right, Richard B.

"If things are too stressful, I head to the movies." - Beryl Singleton Bissell That's a good one, and I hope to do just that this weekend!

Kerry, you're so sweet. Taking a moment to be polite is good for the receiver and the giver.

Thank you, Connie!

I've been doing some stress-induced shopping.