Stress! What Flippin' Stress?

Okay, so it is not even December yet and I am feeling frazzled - any one with me. Not sure at this rate what the whole hectic Christmas season will bring. Makes one want to give Santa's beard a great big yank and talley ho on out of here.

So, that's not going to happen. We all know that. Like it or not, we will all suck it up and get over feeling sorry for ourselves and like good like 'bot' soldiers, tackle Christmas grumbling and complaining as we go.

There is relief however for the overstressed under thanked and we are here to tell you about how to make the most of a fast paced and exhausting season.

American Fitness suggests for starters, ‘Reward yourself’. In preparation for that party or just when you need pampering, take an extra half hour for an easy at-home facial. Following is a simple recipe for an all-natural, moisturizing yogurt facial:

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Basic mask: Mix honey and yogurt and apply to face. Leave on for 15 minutes. Then, remove with a warm, Moist washcloth.

For dry skin: Prepare basic mask, adding a tablespoon of oatmeal and olive oil.

For oily skin: Prepare basic mask, adding a tablespoon of oatmeal.

For an exfoliating mask: Add a teaspoon of baking soda and water to any of the above mixtures.

They also suggest getting some extra exercise and encourage readers to ‘get outside for 15 minutes of body numbing walking’ – apparently, they do not know Canada right around Christmas and they have no sense of humor ‘mall walking does not count’ – yeah right.

Chris Chenoweth has this to say about stress: ‘Research shows that women with children have higher levels of stress-related hormones in their blood than women without children. This means for women with children, it is very important to schedule time for you.’

Okay together now – NO KIDDING! I’d like to know as you likely would…. Where does the extra time come from so that I can schedule it for myself?

When in doubt, go to iVilliage for the answers (that and AskMen), here’s what their members claim works for them in beating stress year round:

1. I de-stress by lighting candles, putting on some relaxing tapes with sounds of nature like rainstorms, rainforests and waterfalls, and performing yoga breathing exercises I learned from a yoga class. --enchantedskies

2. I listen to my favorite music. My ideal self-pampering routine involves a bubble bath. Afterward I give myself an all-over massage with moisturizing cream. --ibasher

3. When I'm stressed out, I exercise. I like to go snowboarding but since that's not always convenient, I either play racquetball, work out or do some yoga. It clears my head, and I usually feel much better. --snowboard_girl

4. In good weather, I grab my racket and hit tennis balls or jog at night. In bad weather, I write in my diary, play racquetball at the gym or talk to my friends. I also meditate. --benib

5. I used to turn up the radio really loud and just jump around, dance and scream. I let out pent-up emotions without any fear of anyone's judgment. Now, I live in a small apartment in the city, so that's not an option anymore. But if you can manage it, it truly works! --kalikalei

6. I keep my hands busy making jewelry with glass beads when I'm watching television. Sometimes, I sit on my bed and I take care of myself: I wax, clip split ends in my hair, do my nails, pluck my eyebrows or give myself a pedicure. --leslie2353

7. Maybe it sounds silly, but remember how much fun coloring was when we were kids? Coloring clears my mind and refreshes me. Sometimes I read, walk the dog or vent on the iVillage boards. I think my favorite way to de-stress in cold weather is to drink a big mug of chai tea behind a closed door. --bearmom50

8. When I am stressed, I usually relax in front of the television, drink tea or take a hot bath. The most effective de-stressing technique for me is running. As much as I don't feel like exercising, a good run can be meditative, rev up my energy and be a great avenue to release anger. I am guaranteed to feel better when I am finished. --ivkatiebro

9. I rent a comedy, talk to my husband or friends or take a long walk in the park. One of these techniques always works. --macbernie

10. I like to doodle. My classmates think it's funny to look over at me in class and see my paper full of doodles and mazes. I like to color to relax and let my mind wander. --redrich2002

That’s it for us today. Frankly I don’t have the answers. Everything I read sounds great. Hey, I exercise, drink tea, listen to really loud music when I’m driving and I can even manage to veg right out. I have various other ways to cope with the long days, frustrating crowds, nasty shoppers and grumpy store clerks and just all that is wrong with the Holiday Season – sex, chocolate and whisky are my go to favorites –

Care to share your Holiday stress busters with the rest of us? Come on , you never know, it could do you some good.

In the meantime, have a wonderful Hot Cherry Day!