Reduce Stress at the Holidays

In the midst of holiday demands, try to care for yourself by making one small healthy choice a day. A few simple suggestions: Laugh. It's impossible to be stressed when you are laughing. Get moving. Exercise is not only a good distraction, it also boosts norepinephrine levels, which researchers believe help modulate stress. Meditate. Stress increases the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, which causes dangerous plaque buildup in the atreries. Meditation has been known to lessen these levels. Take a mini-vacation.Our brains are not wired to be on all the time and our bodies aren't meant to be stimulated 18 hours a day. We need to have time to just stare at the waves. You don't even have to travel- just turn off your cell phone and avoid e-mail for half a day. It will make you feel as if you're on vacation without leaving home. Happy Holidays!