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Tanning oil has long been used by sun worshippers and beach bunnies looking for a way to get a dark, even tan. However, there are quite a few myths about tanning oil, and it can be difficult for consumers to sort out the facts from the fiction. There are many people who erroneously believe that tanning oil offers them protection from a sunburn, or that tanning oil makes a tan healthy for your skin. Still other people believe that tanning oil will help them gain a sophisticated bronze glow more quickly than simply lying in the sun. The biggest question about tanning oil is what exactly this product does, and there are few tanning oil users who fully understand the answer.

One thing that tanning oil does not do is protect your skin against a damaging sunburn. The only thing that can stop you from absorbing potentially harmful UV rays is a sun block that will stop UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin cells. Unfortunately, this kind of sun block will also stop you from tanning. Tanning oil cannot make it safe for you to get a tan, since there is technically no such thing as a safe tan. Because tanning is your body’s attempt to protect your skin against the sun, your body will only begin to tan after your skin has suffered some damage.

Science tells us that tanning oil doesn’t attract the sun to your skin; allow you to achieve a dark bronze with greater speed than your neighbors; or in any way improve your tanning prowess. However, using tanning oil can enhance the appearance of your tan. The oil softens your skin, creating a supple, attractive physique, and the oil changes the way that your skin reflects light; and can thereby give the illusion of making your tan darker. Many people who yearn for a deep, rich tan do so because they believe that it will make them appear more attractive, and a gentle application of tanning oil can help anyone to achieve this goal.

However, before you use tanning oil or try to get a sun kissed look, consider whether the risks of this beauty option may outweigh the benefits. If you are worried about showing early signs of aging, increasing your vulnerability to skin cancers like melanoma, or causing other kinds of damage to your skin, it may be time to ditch the tanning oil in favor of sun block. Although sun block won’t leave you looking glamorously burnished, it will leave you looking healthy and wrinkle free for years to come.

Kerri Stalton is a featured writer for TanningBeauty.com. to learn more about tanning products and home tanning beds, visit us.

If you have the nagging feeling that your husband may be having
an affair, this is the ideal time to confirm what you suspect.
The Valentine’s Day gifts he gives or receives can provide you
with tangible proof of his infidelity.

If your husband has a lover he’s certain to buy her a
Valentine’s Day gift; whether he receives one in return or not.
This could prove to be his undoing. An observant wife can find
some solid evidence this time of year if she knows what to look
for and where to look.

A husband can sometimes get away with giving his wife a card and
a hastily purchased box of chocolates. But tradition demands
that on Valentine’s Day, he gives his mistress a special gift.
No self-respecting man would try to impress his girlfriend with
a cheap token of his affection. If he wants to remain in her
good graces (and in her bed) he has to buy her a decent gift.

It goes without saying that gifts cost money. Even if your
husband has been siphoning off small sums for several weeks or
months, you’ll find evidence of his spending somewhere. If he
doesn’t pay in cash he’ll have to use his credit card. But
there’s always a paper trail.

Have there been any suspicious withdrawals from your bank
accounts? Check the time period shortly before or after
Valentine’s Day. Were there any unexplained ATM withdrawals
around this time?

Check your credit card statements for the month of February, and
the latter part of January too. Look for charges made at jewelry
stores, women’s specialty stores, or boutiques, florists, day
spas, restaurants and the like. Scrutinize any charges made on
February 14th.

Check his wallet, his pockets, his backpack, his briefcase for
charge slips or store receipts. If you find evidence of gift
items you didn’t personally receive, it should raise a red flag
in your mind. Since your husband didn’t give these gifts to you,
who did he give them to?

Check various places in and around your home for hidden gifts –
under the bed, in the back of a file cabinet or dresser drawer,
on the back of the closet floor, or on a seldom used shelf.

Don’t forget to search the car too. Look underneath the seat, in
the trunk, in the glove compartment and in the tire well.

If you find a hidden gift, don’t jump to conclusions unless it’s
obvious the gift is not for you (too large, too small, a color
or style that he knows you wouldn’t wear, or has another woman’s
name attached).

If Valentine’s Day passes and you haven’t received the hidden
gift (but it’s now gone), then it’s obvious that he gave it to
someone else. Make it your business to find out who.

Shortly before Valentine’s Day, Carol found a box in her
husband’s sock drawer containing a diamond and sapphire ring.
She said nothing because she didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
But on Valentine’s Day Jim gave Carol a dozen long stem roses
and a gift certificate for a day of pampering at her favorite
day spa. The next day Carol searched high and low but the ring
box could not be found. She spent several sleepless nights
trying to figure out what had become of the ring. Three weeks
later Carol dropped by Jim’s office to meet him for lunch. One
of his co-workers was wearing a ring similar to the one in the
box. It didn’t take Carol long to find out Jim and this woman
were having an affair.

Laura found a gift box containing a sexy negligee in the trunk
of her husband’s car. He tried to pass it off as a gift he
purchased for her but the gown was several sizes too small. No
amount of persuasion on his part could convince Laura the
salesclerk put the wrong size in the box by mistake. Especially
since she had already found other telltale signs of a possible
affair.

Be suspicious of any unusually expensive gifts your husband
receives this month. Especially if he claims he purchased the
items for himself, but can’t produce a receipt.

Likewise, warning bells should sound if your husband receives
gifts of an extremely personal nature, in February or at any
other time. No woman other than yourself should be giving your
husband six pairs of silk boxer shorts — unless it’s his mother
or his sister. (And even then, you should check to make sure.)

Take notice if your husband is missing for several hours on
February 14th. Be wary if he invents excuses to come home late,
or to run an errand later on, on Valentine’s night. These could
be additional telltale signs.

If you suspect your husband of cheating, Valentine’s Day gifts
could provide the missing pieces of the infidelity puzzle.
Especially if there have been other telltale signs in the
previous weeks or months. It may be time to have a serious talk
with your husband. If he’s cheating, you don’t want to be the
last one to know. Find out what’s going on before it’s too late.

© Ruth Houston 2004

The first most important thing for an acne prone skin is hygiene. A healthy skin care regime should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or over production of oil to replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredient should be used; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. Also skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to produce more oil, further causing clogging pores in the process. If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them.

For best acne skin care effects, using a mild cleanser or toner once in the morning, noon and evening, and after doing a heavy work out, will help you achieve a clear skin. Pick that zit. People who prick pimples and blemishes as if pricking a bubble only aggravates the risk of skin inflammation and acne scars. Avoid hand contact with your face for better acne skin care results. For men, shaving should be done with care. Choose the best electric shavers and safety razors you can trust for years. They’ll be more comfortable to use. Men need not use a super sharp blade to get rid of that beard. A regular shaver used with soap and water, or shaving cream will help you get that smooth finish. Doctors advised men to shave lightly, and shave only when necessary for acne skin care maintenance.

Products for daily skin care regime

1 Glycerin is a good moisturizer. Glycerin is known to moisturize from the inside out, pulling in moisture from the outside environment. It’s typically found in better quality, more expensive soaps like a hand made soap or good cleanser. Lower grade, commercially produced soaps usually remove the glycerin and use more cost effective chemicals which are much more destructive to the skin.

2 Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus are terrific for cleansing. Tea tree oil is considered to have some of the best natural antiseptic / antifungal properties in the world. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to fight infection-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses very effectively.

3 Pure Aloe Vera - the absolute best moisturizer.

Always remember what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help conquer acne breakout.

Copyright 2005 ultimate-cosmetics.com

For www.ultimate-cosmetics.com. Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here. Get addicted at our exciting forums – forums.ultimate-cosmetics.com You are free to publish the above article in your ezine or website, provided the credit is given to the author and a hyperlink (HTML clickable) is given to www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

With the holidays approaching, you may soon be in need of a
glamorous look for those special events and parties. Not too
long ago, the only evening dress in plus size was a blousy,
dowdy number. We can now rejoice that many options are
available, and you can choose a sexy, sophisticated, or
glamorous evening dress in plus size.

As you decide your social calendar for the holiday season, you
may find yourself in need of a flirty cocktail dress, a
ball-gown, or a chic evening suit. How do you go about finding
the right style for you? Let’s look at the best evening dress in
plus size options.

Cocktail dresses can be as short as mid-thigh to as low as ankle
skimming. The most flattering hemline that shows off shapely
legs hits right about knee length. 1950’s influenced styles with
beading, lace, and A-line skirts are highly popular and look
great on plus size women. Sleeveless dresses can be topped with
decorative bolero jackets or cardigans to make a modern, yet
classic statement. Add a stylish open toe pump to complete your
ensemble.

If you have been invited to a black-tie affair, most likely you
will need a floor-length gown. The best styles for plus sizes
have clean lines without needless ruffles and bows. Excess
details can add weight and look dowdy. Jazz up a simple gown
with expressive jewelry or a colorful silk wrap. For footwear,
try a strappy evening sandal or the latest trend - satin flats
for extra style and comfort.

Maybe, you have a couple of after work parties and need an
outfit that is festive but not too dressy. Look for a tailored
suit that can carry you from office to cocktail party with ease.
Black is back in, thank goodness, and a black, wool crepe
pantsuit can be just perfect to transition you from day to
evening. Full figures look wonderful in tailored jackets with
slim lapels and nipped in waists. Don’t worry. You will want to
keep the jacket unbuttoned to show off a sexy camisole or silk
blouse. Make sure that the pants are tailored but not tapered at
the ankle. A chic pantsuit looks great with a high heel or an
embellished flat.

Whatever your plans are for the upcoming social season, there is
evening attire that will make you glamorous and sophisticated.
Full figure women have more evening dress choices than ever
before!

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones, the disease affects
mostly older women but older men can get also. People with
osteoporosis have bones that become weak and can break easily -
it causes about 1.5 million fractures (broken bones) annually.
The bones most frequently broken due to osteoporosis are the
hip, back, and wrist.

Can I prevent Osteoporosis? Basic genes determine the height and
strength of your skeleton and frame, but lifestyle determines
the amount of “bone” you preserve during your youth, which
determines how much is saved for later in life. Healthy bones
need a well-balanced supplement including vitamins and minerals
from different groups. You especially need a diet rich in
calcium.

IH Distribution LLC has a world-class supplement called Calcium
Plus, which is formulated to provide 100% US RDA for calcium. It
is formulated for maximum bio-availability, including essential
minerals to generate healthy bone growth and density. It can be
ordered @ www.ihdistribution.com

Bones need regular weight-bearing exercise to be strengthened.
Good bone building exercises include running, aerobics, tennis
and walking. Smoking and drinking have a toxic effect on bone
structure and development in both men and women.

Who gets Osteoporosis? 10.0 million Americans have osteoporosis
and 8.0 million are women. Approximately 34 million Americans
have a condition called Osteopenia, which is pre-cursor to the
disease. Women who are at greatest risk for osteoporosis are
those who:

Have a family history of the disease Have not had sufficient
calcium in their diet Had an early menopause Had surgery to
remove their ovaries Had extended bed rest Used certain
medications for long periods of time (steroids) Have small body
frames How do I know if I have Osteoporosis? Early signs of
osteoporosis are losing height or having bone(s) that break
easily. Bone density is the term referring to the solidness of
bones. A Dexa-Scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is
required by your doctor to actually measure bone density.

What Else? Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) lowers the risk of
hip, other fractures, and certain cancers but increase the risk
of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. One
product gaining prominence today is all-natural hormone
balancing cream derived from botanical sources that provide the
benefits of HRT without the side affects. Check today for free
information about Natural Balancing Creams at
www.ihdistribution.com.

Other Sources of Information

www.realprogesterone.com www.ihdistribution.com National Women’s
Health Information Center (800-994-9662) National Osteoporosis
Foundation (202-223-2226) (www.nof.org) Osteoporosis and Related
Bone Diseases National Resource Center Phone – (202) 223-0344
TDD – (202) 466-4315 (800) 624-2663 (Bone) www.osteo.org
National Institute of Health Phone – (800) 222-2225 TTY – (800)
222-4225 www.nih.gov/nia © IH Distribution LLC, 2004 No material
to be used without the expressed permission of IH Distribution
LLC

Makeup tips for an overdue makeup check up, thought it might be
hard? It isn’t as not as hard as one may think. No one wants to
look older than they really are, so when you get to certain
ages, be it late 20’s, late 30’s, late 40’s or older, it’s time
to do a makeup check up.You may not realize that your style of
makeup is too young for you or too old depending on how you’ve
been doing it. You may be over doing or under doing your makeup.
As our face changes what we once did at one age can be the worst
thing to do now. As with skin care there is a need to change
your look to keep looking as beautiful as always but start
working on those little issues that are coming up. No need to
name them, we all know what they are.

We all can remember in our teens and twenties choosing makeup on
a whim or enjoying bold, shiny eye shadows, (bright blue
anyone?) Heavy or mismatched foundation, not blending it in at
the chin or too thick concealer, giving you the opposite raccoon
look. How about that obvious blush in neon pink? Be it on
someone’s else face or even your own, who else can remember
their mother licking both her thumbs wetting down you cheeks
trying to help make your blush less obvious? Remember how in the
earlier years of drugstore brands of blush even that couldn’t
work, you needed to use major makeup remover?

Try changing from a cream or gel blush. It is better for your
face as you get older, as dry blush doesn’t blend well as your
skin loses the ability to hold on to moisture,as little lines
start to appear around the eyes. Don’t forget those nasty smile
lines. Keep the blush on your cheek bones to highlight them if
they are one of your best features. Powdered blush tends to cake
on skin that is too dry. How about those overly greasy or super
glossy lipsticks, or a Kaleidoscopic array of eye shadows, often
mismatched colors as forgetting certain shades of purple AND
lime green do not go together at the same time! We all can get
confused on what really looks good on us, in most cases pastels
draw attention to and refresh your eyes, brights make the eyes
look vibrant and muted tones softly add color or shape to the
eye while dark colors add dramatic impact. Start experimenting
at home with what you have. Do a checkup on the way you’re doing
your eye liners, heavy doe eyed look doesn’t look good on any
age! Heavy outlined eyes just makes look older, great for
teenagers to try out but not someone who is trying to make a
impression on a new boss. Its high time you really should
consider making adjustments to one’s routine. Even more examples
of what not to do- The a retro Marilyn Monroe look with the
liquid-lined bedroom eyes, and pouty red lips, only she could
really pull that look off. The Crayola Crayon-colored
eyeshadows. Spikey mascara that been in countless fashion
magazines and billboards with what looks like only 5 or 6
lashes. Over the years mascaras have changed from jumping out at
you, fake lashes extremes to a more natural look, black-browns,
even navy looks good if not overdone. There are some glitter
mascaras that aren’t as wild as you might think too so don’t
forget to at least look at them for night time use.

It’s time to think about changing to a classic, well blended
look where no one aspect of your makeup can be more important
than the other. As you create you new look, start thinking of
more natural shades of neutral colors just making sure that they
work with your skin tone. Try wearing only two coats of mascara
not three or more. If blonde try brown or brownish-black As your
hair color darkens, either by age or stopping coloring it, try
changing your mascara color to bring out the natural beauty of
your eyes. Not everyone should be wearing black mascara.

There will always be a time and place for all types of free-self
expression but one should only leave the house looking as if one
is on the way to a halloween party unless there is a halloween
party! As much as you might not like it, overdone makeup or even
the smoky-eye look if not done correctly, just makes you look
opposite of the what you are going for.

When we all a certain age regardless of how many years add up,
its time to discover a style that makes you feel beautiful,
finding colors that enhances your appearance not take away from
it. If you haven’t started yet, look up beauty tips or make ups
online or go to your local book store to see whats out there.
Even fashion magazines of late are going towards a less is
better.

Start practicing blending techniques that makes your eyes look
natural not piled or painted on. Praticing to create one’s own
style and stop being a slave to whatever the latest look and
think before pairing of colors. Even a teenager can have a basic
but undone look that enhances not take away from their natural
beauty. Check out what you have brought over the year and work
on designing your own style, one you can call your own, need
help try your girl friends, who better than to tell you what
looks good? We all need to stop being a slave to today’s “in”
look start showing off the real beauty that may of been hiding
behind layers of the so called ‘fashionable look’. Starting with
soft neutral colors, blending them, creating a signature look
thats easy to put on in the morning for work, add glitter or
more color to for nighttime fun. Then start throwing out all
those colors that makes most teenagers daughters laugh at even
the thought you might still be thinking of wearing it! Start
today and tomorrow at work just smile and agree when asked “Have
you lost weight?” You may never know even just a change in your
makeup may change you into a whole new person.

Whenever there is a discussion about Viagra or even the word Viagra strikes our mind the first thing that we think is erectile dysfunction but have we ever in our wildest dream thought that Viagra can be helpful in saving a lot of endangered species.

Surprised! But that’s true, the blue magical pill has spread its aura beyond erectile dysfunction, it’s not only benefiting human beings in achieving a healthy sexual life but also animals in surviving.

A survey conducted by Australian and American researchers revealed astounding results, the survey was conducted on more than 250 Chinese men aged 50 to 70 and the results were unbelievable.

They found that these men these me were more likely to be taking western erectile dysfunction treatment drug like Viagra in comparison to their traditional preferences which included seal genitalia, sea horses, geckos, green turtles and tiger bone.

The research was promoted and financed by Pfizer (the manufacturers of Viagra under the leadership of Bill von Hippel, a Psychologist in the University of Wales along with his brother Frank, a biologist at the University of Alaska

The dependability of the survey has been authenticated by the fact that there has been a sharp decline in the price of seal genitalia. The prices which were at a time, mounting up to $100 Canadian to around $20 Canadian after the launch of Viagra in 1998. Seal genitals are of very rare use outside the animal potency trade and thus the decline clearly portrays the impact of Viagra and other such drugs in reducing the consumption of traditional male impotency drugs.

Its is also being predicted that the situation will remain as it is- the prices of seal genitals will remain low and even their market won’t extend, which clearly reflects the permanent decline in demand, thus indirectly saving the species.

This miserable trade in seal penises when combined with the traditional medicine consumption clearly vindicates that Viagra and other new erectile dysfunction drugs are helpful in conserving certain animal species. The best part of the development is that none of the Chinese man has switched from Viagra back to traditional therapies.

I would love to conclude with a friendly message, take Viagra and make your contribution in saving the endangered species. Viagra is effectual as well as an easy solution for erectile dysfunction. Other Online Pharmacy impotence drug includes Cialis and Levitra.

About the Author: David Turner is the contributing editor to www.epharma.md It is dedicated to provide clients seeking information about Online Pharmacy and products related to erectile dysfunction and weight loss such as Phentermine, Cialis, Levitra, Viagra .Please send feedback at david.turner001@gmail.com.

Most women never satisfy with their shape and size even though
some of them have a perfect body already. Our demand for beauty
never ends. If you are thinking along the lines of having
cosmetic surgery for your problem, remember that some size and
shape differences are normal and while breast implants will
increase the size, they won’t correct basic shape and form
defects. It is possible to have other forms of corrective
surgery for that.

The breast implant operation is carried out under general
anesthetic and involves the insertion of the implant by means of
a small incision under the breast, the armpit or even the
belly-button area. The implant is made of silicone that is
filled with a saline solution. The shape is based on the
individual needs of the patient.

Gynecomastia can be corrected by cosmetic surgery. This
condition is affecting 40/60 percent of men in the USA, where
fatty deposits due usually to an inherited factor cause enlarged
breasts. This is called Liposculpture surgery and is a fairly
recent development that will restore a thinner, more masculine
contour to the chest.

It is a must that the patient-after-surgery should wear a
snug-fitting garment for several weeks. This will minimize
bruising and swelling and help the skin to shrink more quickly.
Return to work varies depending on the job. Office workers can
return sooner than those doing more physically challenging work.

Even though tummy tucks might sound simple and easy, any
operation that requires a general anesthetic should be
considered seriously. For this reason, never be afraid to ask
about your surgeon’s qualifications and experience.

Mostly, a skilled professional trained in this field, excises
folds of loose skin and fat, having previously marked the areas
to be cut out. Slack muscles are then tightened before the
operation is complete. The incision is usually made along the
bikini line; the skin is pulled down and afterwards secured with
several rows of sutures to minimize scarring. Fat may be
harvested at the same time and frozen for use in a future
Lipo-suction operation. This possibility should be discussed
with the surgeon beforehand.

There are other operations involving a removal of sagging skin,
which can be carried out on the thighs, upper arms and neck
area. Moreover, face-lifts can be used to remove wrinkles and
lift sagging areas and scarring is usually minimal, but if
indulged in too often, the whole face can become a ghastly
caricature of what Mother Nature intended.

The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to
cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work
place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is
crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth
delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.

This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative
approaches in addition to traditional health services. Pregnancy
massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much
therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and
joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and
physical fatigue.

Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the
labour process, although many refer pregnancy massage to just
prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place
a few days after delivery.

In a prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing
pregnancy discomforts and aims to enhance the physiological and
emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother
also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus.
Also, the massage helps to strengthen and prepares the muscles
that are useful for a natural delivery process.

Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one
that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural
or any other drugs. During labour, massage techniques exist to
help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.

Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother’s body,
reduce fluid retention and and helps the body be brought back to
balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize
the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her
baby.

The pregnant female should always first consult her doctors if
she is suitable for massage or for any other alternative
therapies that they wish to try. Her overall objective is to
achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a
wonderful birthing experience.

A few years ago I read a story that gave me a new perspective on
the holiday season. In this tale, a fictional town was
experiencing the worst yuletide in its history because all the
female residents were on strike. This reminded me that, often,
women are the foundations, the unsung heroes, of the holiday
season. 

For many us, the non-fictional holiday story goes like this:
Every year, you promise to get a better grip on the holidays but
somehow, you always get caught up in the stress of the season.
No wonder you get tense at this time of the year. You have a lot
to do. In the midst of planning parties, meeting year-end
deadlines, making travel arrangements, attending school
concerts, baking cookies, buying presents and doing a multitude
of other tasks, you want to be composed, have fun and not gain
weight.

Follow this stress-prevention plan to experience a festive
rather than frazzled season.

1. Identify stress-relief tools

It’s easy to become so preoccupied with taking care of the daily
urgencies of the season — the cooking, the visiting, and the
organizing — that no space, time or energy is left for you.
When your needs and self-care fall to the bottom of your list,
this is a one-way ticket to a tired, cranky, impatient you. The
best gift you can give your family and yourself this season is a
healthy, happy you. The secret to making this happen is to give
yourself permission to put the quality of your own life at the
top of your holiday wish list. To do so, identify three holiday
stress-relief tools you can use to take better care of you, such
as taking a bath, practicing meditation, going out for a walk,
reading your favorite book, renting a video, sleeping in or
performing breathing exercises. Write these ideas down and when
you feel like you are reaching the edge of comfort, make a
pledge to engage in one or all three stress-relieving activities.

2. Ask for help

Asking for help can be extremely difficult. But if you don’t
request assistance during the holidays you may find yourself at
your wit’s end. If you think you need to do it all, think again.
Acknowledge that support will ease your load and make things
happen faster. Just becoming aware that you could use some
assistance and getting comfortable asking for it can be the
toughest part. But once you get over your inhibitions of seeking
support, you’ll find that folks really want to help you in your
efforts to create a wonderful holiday season. Resist the
temptation to go it alone or take on more than you can
reasonably do. Draft a list of activities you want to commit to
this season (nothing more) and write the names of the people
you’d like to help out. Then start making calls.

3. Eliminate holiday stressors

You know what and who they are — the physical and emotional
stressors that consume a lot of your holiday energy and space.
This season, take a few minutes to think about the things that
may be a source of stress and list them all. It will feel so
good to get these worries out of your head and down on paper.
Once you’ve completed this “stressor inventory” make a conscious
effort to eliminate each one. If you know cooking a traditional
dinner for 25 is high on your list, don’t commit to it this
year. Either say no, ask another family member to host or
prepare that seafood buffet you always wanted to experiment
with. It is in your control to say “yes” to the things that
fulfill you and make your holidays happy, and “no” to your
“shoulds” and ”have tos.”

A joy-filled festive season awaits us all. Choose what you want
your personal experience to be. With the wisdom and power to
create stress-free holidays, tap into what you really want and
give yourself permission to enjoy it. And if you are skeptical
that no matter what you do, you’ll still feel stressed out this
season, remember that you can always go on strike.