In With the good, Out with the Bad (Holiday Season)

[Guest guest]

"IN WITH THE GOOD, OUT WITH THE BAD"

"The holidays are physically and mentally taxing for any host. Here's a coping strategy: Write the word "breathe" in large letters on a piece of paper and stick it to the refrigerator with a magnet. When you feel yourself edging toward hysteria, stop and get a grip with the help of deep breathing, a yoga technique."

"WITH LIPS SEALED AND EYES CLOSED, breathe deeply through your nose."

"LET YOUR BELLY EXPAND AS YOU INHALE, and let it return toward the spine as you exhale."

"TRY TO RELEASE WITH YOUR BREATH any tension and stress you are feeling."

"LET GO OF ANY EXPECTATIONS you have for the "perfect" holiday, and resolve to enjoy the day as it is."

"REPEAT for three to five minutes."

Excerpted from Knight Ridder Newspapers