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Staying Calm At Christmas (Dec 1)

Christmas Tree
Tue, 2009-12-01 07:52.
Andy and Tj

It's December 1st.... the start of the most famous month of....... stress!!!


There's decorations and shopping and baking. And, family drama. And, parties. And, Christmas pageants. It should come as no surprise that the holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year. In fact, the American Psychological Association found that eight out of 10 people expect to be stressed out during the holiday season.


But, according to psychologist Claire Wheeler, author of Ten Simple Solutions to Stress, you don't have to let the crazy holiday season get you down. Here are some of her tips to keep you from melting down:


1. Manage Expectations -- We set ourselves up for disappointment by expecting everything to be perfect. It helps to just sort out your expectations and then adjust them accordingly.


2. Learn from Past Mistakes -- Be honest and ask yourself which parts of holidays past worked -- and which didn't. Then, make a conscious decision not to repeat those mistakes.


3. Relax -- It sounds simple, but there is magic in just breathing properly. Breathing in for four counts through your nose and then out for eight counts through your mouth triggers the relaxation response, reduces blood pressure and heart rate and eases your mind.

You can also ease yourself into the season by tuning in to 101-5 SILK FM, as we are now Kelowna's Holiday Music Station.  We hope it puts a smile on your face!
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De-Stressing at Christmas

Thu, 2009-12-03 08:10
Frank B.
Hey Andy and TJ, Was just remembering 3 years ago today we were setting off to Hawaii together.  Will never forget it!  Thanks for the great time. Listening to you this morning about people getting stressed out about Christmas I came across the poem.  Thought you might enjoy it.  Have a great holiday.  Frank PS I'm off to Kauai on December 16. :o) T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (WOMEN'S VERSION) T'was the night before Christmas and all through the kitchen; I was cooking and moanin' and bitchin'. I've been here for hours, I can't stop to rest. This room's a disaster....just look at this mess! Tomorrow I've got thirty people to feed. They expect all the trimmings.  Who cares what I need! My feet are both blistered, I've got cramps in my legs. The cat just knocked over a bowl full of eggs. There's a knock at the door and the telephone's ringin. Frosting drips on the counter as the microwave's dinging. Two pies in the oven, dessert's almost done, My cookbook is soiled with butter and crumbs. I've had all I can stand, I can't take anymore; Then in walks my husband, spilling rum on the floor. He weaves and he wobbles,  his balance unsteady; Then grins as he chuckles,  "The eggnog is ready!" He looks all around and with total regret, says, ""What's taking so long...aren't you through in here yet?" As quick as a flash I reach for a knife, He loses an earlobe, I wanted his life! He flees from the room in terror and pain and screams, "MY GOD WOMAN, YOU'RE GOING INSANE!!!" Now what was I doing, and what is that smell? Oh darn it's the pies!!!  They're burned all to...well I hate to admit when I make a mistake, But I put them on BROIL instead of on BAKE. What else can go wrong?  Is there still more ahead? If this is good living, I'd rather be dead. Lord, don't get me wrong, I love holidays. It just leaves me exhausted, all shaky and dazed. But I promise you one thing, if I live 'til next year, You won't find me pulling my hair out in here. I'll hire a maid, a cook, and a waiter...and if that doesn't work, I'LL HAVE IT ALL CATERED!!!!!!!

Christmas...or

Wed, 2009-12-02 08:15
Anonymous
You wouldn't believe how good it is to read that as a mantra! Its so true that in the past I have made lots of arrangements that were last minute or just barely came together and because of stress it was like every person was in my way and I got mad at them! By the time the party arrived, or whatever it was, you think wow, this would have been good even if I didnt make that special bread that took me two weeks, or that small appy that made me almost take my own life...isn't exactly influential to the meaning of the party. It just matters that you have your family and close friends at christmas. We just need to relax and enjoy ourselves. The holidays are a time to reflect on the past year and spend time with the people that matter most to us in our lives. Thanks for the reminder of what needs to be done on christmas and what it really means! P.S Andy and TJ I love your show! Listen to it every morning! -Britney Filipchuk