-Pat Heydlauff

Stress comes wrapped in many shapes, sizes and packages during the Holiday season. People in our country celebrate as many as three or four holidays during this time of the year. And, each one comes with its own distinct set of stressors that can by far overshadow your potential for joy.

For some, the biggest stressor is just having too much to do in the time allotted. It becomes a balancing act of caring for a family and holding down a full time job while trying to shop, prepare extra meals, and make travel plans if needed. Also in the mix are decorating the home, wrapping, baking and tending to the needs of family members, friends, even a boss.

For others, the major stressor is financial. It is very easy to over spend, over consume and charge-it. With the thousands of electronic toys, tools and gadgets that are available today there is a tendency to get everyone the very latest thing. Unfortunately, many of these items are much more expensive than the average budget can handle.

And, for some, fear and anxiety sets in just thinking about whether they will be totally alone during the holidays. The thought of being forgotten, alone, unloved and unwanted is a major stressor for the elderly – and not so elderly – living far from family and friends or are unable to travel.

Feng Shui is all about creating balance in your life so you can live a healthy, prosperous and abundant life filled with peace and joy. Use some of the following stress relieving suggestions to help create balance and find more peace and joy in this hectic time of the year.

Plan Ahead - The best way to limit or control stress is to plan ahead. If the holidays are a really big stress issue for you, in the future, plan months ahead not just days and weeks. You only need two simple tools to plan ahead, a pad of paper and a pen or pencil.

-americanchronicle.com