By Dr. Joe

If you ask a group of adults the question “Who is looking forward to Christmas”? A number of hands would go up. If you then ask “Who is looking forward to Christmas being…over?” A second set of hands goes up.

Ask a group of year one school children the same questions all hands would go up the first time. The reason that some people look forward to Christmas being over is of course stress.

How does it get to this? At what point does Christmas cease to be fun and become a chore?

Read the full post on Twelve Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas.

They both cause excessive buying at the “Depot” … Home Depot and Office Depot. (kidding)
The true answer is that they both cause a sensational amount of stress. In turn, certain components of the immune system become less effective at fighting off illness when exposed to stress over days or weeks. Despite attitude (perception), your nutrition plays a critical role in tempering the potential to sickness.

Secrets of the nutritional game …

All the chatter is about what you can do from outside the body – wash hands, cover you mouth when coughing or sneezing, take an antibiotic (which we are being rigorously warned to be conservative with) and vaccinate.

Read the full post on What is Similar About Hurricanes and “Back To School”?.

So, I heard you’ve been sitting on the, proverbial, fence with regards to getting that one thing done. You know what I’m talkin’ about, that project you’ve wanted to get started (or finish) for quite some time now.

It’s Memorial Day, which means to most people an extra day to relax, eat and do nothing. Yet, it could be a perfect time to start that dream scheme, or get that activity you’ve been working on finally completed.

Read the full post on Perfect Timing – Just Finish One Thing.

So, last week was interesting, to say the least … I smashed the whole front end of my eight month old vehicle. Luckily, I was fine, no subsequent injuries, not even a bit of soreness… $5300 later, I continue to remain emotionless about the whole thing.

Why?
Seconds after the 30 mph collision, during 5:00 pm traffic on a rain slick highway, my thoughts instantly defaulted to my GOOD fortune …

Read the full post on If Everyone Had Nothing, Who Would Stand Out in the Crowd?.

In the book Freedom Inc., research is cited showing that stressful incidents at work can be more damaging than stresses in our personal lives and are a contributing factor in up to 75% of all visits to primary care physicians. These stresses can manifest themselves in the form of back pain, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, emotional issues and loss of sleep. Over time, these stresses may lead to more serious issues such as heart disease.

The book noted that the most important factor in reducing workplace stress is to let employees feel they have more control over their own work. Additionally, a healthy diet low on sweets and junk food, regular and moderate exercise, and getting the correct amount of sleep all assist in stress reduction.

Read the full post on Reducing Job Stress Can Save You A Visit To The Doctor.

Did you know?
Volunteer work is one way to reduce stress. It puts the focus on others and less on your own problems.

Steps to take
Be a mentor for a child. Deliver meals on wheels. Volunteer your time at your church or local senior center.