MIND-BODY
Putting a Wrap on Holiday Stress WRITTEN BY MIKE VERANO
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tress is as much a part of holiday tradition as greeting cards, presents and awkward family moments. The honest truth is that while the holidays should be a time of peace on Earth and good will towards men, they are equally the time for discord and ill will. In fact, notes the American Psychological Association, one in five Americans worries that holiday stress will cause them at least one physical health problem. How is it that a potentially festive time turns into a carnival of tension and worry? Why is it that high blood pressure and tension headaches are as commonplace as eggnog and fruitcake? Does this say something about the holiday season, or is it more likely a reflection of the way we interpret stress? The holidays do not bring us stress; we bring stress to the holidays. If we look closely at our inner tension, we will find that it was neatly packed, wrapped and handdelivered by none other than ourselves. This is good news, though. It opens up the possibility that we can ask for, and receive, the gift of inner peace this season. Before going on, I want to share with you (at right) a “Stressmas” carol that I wrote to summarize how many of us feel as we move head-first into the not-so-silent nights ahead. Continued on page 13
Sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells” Jangled nerves, jangled nerves Jangled all the day Oh, how sad it is to spend Our holiday time this way Dashing through the malls With a cart that’s gone astray Back to the bank we go Crying all the way Bells on registers ring Making spirits sigh Oh, what bills the mailman brings! Why’s my interest rate so high?
A day or two ago I felt my chest grow tight And very soon I found myself Pacing through the night I tried to get some sleep But the fears, they would not go I knew I’d fallen very deep And never felt so low
Jangled nerves, jangled nerves Jangled all the day Oh, how sad it is to spend Our holiday time this way
Oh! Jangled nerves, jangled nerves Jangled all the day Oh, how sad it is to spend Our holiday time this way!
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