Neill Neill, Ph.D.

I just read an inspiring post on a friend’s blog: "50 Ways to Find Serenity During The Holidays (when serenity is the last thing on your mind!) ". This is a good time of years to think about reducing holiday stress, or to put it in positive psychology terms, enhancing calm and serenity.

The topic is a bit unusual for Coach Maria; she typically writes about business topics. Maria Marsala is a business coach who calls herself "The Resource Queen." If you are in business, her sites are a goldmine of practical information about being successful with your business, so do get on her mailing list.She leads her article with

In the normal course of living, we sometimes feel "overwhelmed", "burnt out" or "stressed-out". I know I do, which is why I created this special list of things to do when I’m feeling less than peaceful. And around holiday time those feelings sometimes feel even more unmanageable.

Then she goes on with her list of 50 things to do to find serenity when you’re getting stressed. It’s Maria’s "holiday gift to the world."

There are gems like

• Ask yourself…"What do I have in my life that I can enjoy at this moment?

• Call a friend for support.

• Feed and watch some birds.

• Make a list of what’s stressing you. Just making the list will be helpful!

And I like this one:

• Do absolutely nothing!

You can print out her list and cut them out as cards, each one with a different message about reducing stress.

Often small practical tips in positive psychology can make a huge difference in reducing stress and improving relationships.

Why not extend the exercise further by adding a few items of your own, things that you know work for you in reducing stress?

Copyright © Neill Neill. All rights reserved. Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. He is a member of the treatment team at Sunshine Coast Health Centre, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility for men. He writes regular newspaper and magazine psychology articles on healing and self-improvement. His goal is to facilitate growth in human consciousness and increase the human store of hope, happiness and generosity of spirit.