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WHAT'S NEW
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30 days of holiday stress relief
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The countdown starts on December 1st and takes you all the way to New Years Resolutions stress-free.
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By Dayna Boyer, with files from Helen Keeler and Karen von Hahn
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Dec. 13: Rejuvenate at a spa. Take some much-needed me-time and unwind at a spa. If you can spare the time, book an entire day or half-day to indulge in treatments but if you're strapped for cash around this time of year, even a little pampering like a manicure will revitalize your spirits.
Dec. 14: Meditate your stress away. Meditation doesn't take long, so take a quick moment to quiet your mind and do some deep breathing for an instant lift.
Dec. 15: Ease into yoga. Stay in tune with your body during this frantic time of year with a yoga session at your local studio.
Dec. 16: Be prepared
Publisher Sarah MacLachlan decorates her house the second week in December. Michelle Josephson, a decorator, bakes shortbread and freezes it until she's ready to bring it as hostess gifts or serve it at her own parties. It may sound simple, but taking time to prepare before party day will make you a more relaxed hostess so you can concentrate on what's really important: setting the right tone for the occasion and enjoying the company in your home.
Dec. 17: Pare down the invite list
Limit your guest list to friends and family you enjoy rather than those you feel obligated to include in the festivities. To avoid a Third World War over not inviting your second cousin Marvin to your big bash on Christmas Day, try initiating several smaller gatherings before, or even after, the holiday season.
Dec. 18: Give up on perfect
Sure, throwing holiday parties is fun. You get to plan the menu, fuss over the decor and play hostess-with-the-mostest. But taking on too much during the holidays will only leave you exhausted and resentful. Just ask Kate Larkin, a mother of three. "This past Christmas, I wanted to do it all," says Kate, who thought it would be a brilliant idea to host four generations of her entire extended family -- on both sides -- in her new house from Christmas right through New Year's. "Every night I was serving up these beautiful dinners for an army. By Day 6, I realized that I was spending my entire holiday in the kitchen. I was filled with these visions of Martha Stewart, but ended up a crabby exhausted wreck."
(December 16-18 by Karen von Hahn)
Dec. 19: Be good to your body and it'll be good to you. Although cocktails, wine and spirits will be flowing at many holiday parties, you don't want to suffer through the stress of a hangover, so carefully monitor your alcohol intake. If you happen to overindulge, here are 7 hangover helpers.
Dec. 20: Indulge in some comfort food that's good for the soul and good for your body too. Here are 7 slimming comfort foods to satisfy your appetite in delicious and nutritious ways.
Dec. 21: Cuddle up with a cup of tea. Tea is not only comforting but doctors believe certain kinds can ward off cancer. Plus, nothing's cozier on a chilly winter evening than a warm cuppa.
Dec. 22: Admit it; you have a bit of last-minute shopping to do even though you promised yourself this year would be different. Take your patience with you to the mall but be smart when you stop for a bite in the food court.
Dec. 23: Do a little de-cluttering before the big day so you can relax in a clean space but if you have some clutter-producing family members, here's how to manage those messy family members.
Dec. 24: Show a little appreciation. Your spouse or partner may have lost your attention as you prepared for the holidays but now that the finish line is in sight, take a few moments to practise the art of appreciation.
Dec. 25: YOU MADE IT! Now it's time to eat, drink and be merry.
Dec. 26: On a day when a lot of people are back in the malls, (again!) take this time to sit back and show your gratitude for those who helped you out throughout the season.
Dec. 27: Recharge your energy. With Christmas behind you, it's now time to renew your energy levels and gear up for the new year so you can return to work looking as if you went on a vacation.
Dec. 28: If being between holidays has you feeling sluggish, try these 5 instant feel-good tips to pick up your mood.
Dec. 29: Give yourself some well-deserved TLC so you can approach the new year sans stress.
Dec. 31: You probably already have a New Year's resolution in mind by now. Why not head into a new year with a promise to stress less? Here are 10 you can easily keep.
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