The Holidays are over. Now What? by Vickie McDonough

The holidays are over, except for maybe putting away decorations. The food we cooked for Christmas is gone, as are our relatives who came to visit. Now many of us are trying to lose the weight we gained over the holidays and working to pay off all those presents we bought. The holidays sure can be demanding. Here are ten tips to reduce stress in your life.

- Cut yourself some slack. Make time to rest, read a book, watch a Hallmark movie, or do something for yourself. Nobody can thrive by staying constantly busy. Allow yourself time for a good night’s rest, too.

- Take a break from technology. Email, texting and the like will be there after you’ve had some downtime. You’ll be surprised how much extra time you’ll have.

- Make a goals’ list for this year, or pull out last year's list and work on items you haven't yet accomplished. Pick the easiest-to-accomplish item and work toward it. Doing this gets you refocused and gives you an action plan. Don’t have a goals list? Make one. It can be a simple to-do list, like put away decorations, take down the tree, or freeze leftover ham or turkey. 

- Take time to exercise. Physical activity helps our bodies and minds. Exercise can also help you lose the extra pounds you may have gained over the holidays.

- Eat more fruit and veggies and salads. Bright greens and fresh juices will help keep you healthy, so you can find colds better.

- Try something new. With a brand new year beginning, why not start that hobby you’ve been thinking of? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to learn a new activity. A new hobby or activity can help fill the void after the party is over and your family has gone home. 

If you get a chance to read soon, here's a sweet story:

The War Between the States may have ended, but prejudice is still strong among the families journeying together on a wagon train headed down the Santa Fe Trail.

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