“I commend you,” said my husband the other day. “You managed to keep the holiday wrapping paper prominent in the laundry room all year. It never made it to the attic.” I had to laugh. I swear it was just yesterday I was making plans to organize my office for the New Year. Each year time seems to be moving faster and even the department stores are scrambling to keep up. It was Halloween day when my son and I ran out to grab a last minute decoration. When we got to the department where the decorations had been just one week earlier we found Christmas decorations instead. Halloween wasn’t even over and apparently it was time for the season of cards, ribbons, and blinking lights.

I continue to struggle with how to keep up with this fast paced world. Usually, I feel that I have more to get done than I have hours in the day. However, there is one thing I have rediscovered this year that has helped tremendously. I started dancing again. Dancing was always a part of my life when I was young, but with marriage, a job, and two boys it fell by the way side. Last year about this time I signed up for ballroom dancing and I’ve been going almost every evening since. I absolutely love it and I find that in times of stress it is the best therapy. While visiting my hair dresser recently I met a lady who was working constantly. She even brought her computer and cell phone so she could work while she was having her hair cut. She asked my advice about how to reduce her stress. She immediately rejected my first idea to leave her phone and computer at home. So I suggested, “Find what you love and do it regularly.” Whether it is digging in the dirt, a good game of whiffle ball, yoga or shopping with a friend, it doesn’t matter. Fulfill that part of you that just wants to have fun and the stress will melt away.

This issue is packed with ideas for reducing your stress this holiday season. Try the breathing exercise on page 25 and find out how proper breathing can enhance your health. On page 26, discover how soothing the adrenals can reduce stress and help us lose weight. Plus, peruse these pages and find that perfect holiday gift idea. Consider eco-friendly gift baskets, natural pet treats or a gift certificate for acupuncture, massage, or yoga. This holiday season may you relax and enjoy friends and family. But most of all I wish you peace and happiness.

Happy Holidays!
Kris Urquhart, Editor