Copyright 2004 JoAnna Carey, Carey'D Away Enterprises, LLC.
http://www.joannacarey.com \

Are those bells ringing in your ears a sign of holiday cheer
or a sign of too much stress? Don't let this Holiday Season
slip by in a blur of over scheduling. Commit to making
changes -- one step at a time and you'll discover the gift
of a more enjoyable year-end celebration. As you juggle the
complexities of work, home and family, here are 5 simple
steps that may help you become as jolly as ol' St. Nick. 

5. Develop an list of everything you would like to do THIS
Holiday Season, then prioritize in order to get the most
amount of joy from the limited amount of time you have to
spend with family, friends and coworkers. Remember, this
year's priorities may look different than those of holidays
past! 

4. Express gratitude. What a great time of year to thank all
of those people who make your life worth living! Don't let
the hustle and bustle of the season steal away your
opportunity to be thankful for the people, experiences and
events (both good and bad) that made this year unique and
memorable. If you're sending greeting cards, why not add a
personalized message about why you are thankful for having
the recipient in your life.

3. Learn to say NO -- put YOU first sometimes. It's ok to
say no! I repeat: it is ok to say NO! Schedule some "alone
time" during the holidays so you can reduce the temptation
to take on too many responsibilities that may cause a
meltdown at the worst possible moment. 

2. Choose your battles wisely. As the end of the year
quickly approaches, you may be pulled in too many directions
and it may be impossible for you to attend every get
together. Holidays are often full of over taxed emotions so,
rather than succumbing to a confrontation, try to approach
each situation as an opportunity to accommodate the most
important needs of those involved. Express your opinion
about the little things that are causing extra stress
instead of hiding those emotions that may cause your temper
to reach the boiling point. 

1. Life really is about the journey. Savor the moments! That
is a difficult concept for those of us who are always
striving toward a particular goal. Savoring the moment means
allowing yourself enough time to celebrate each activity
before rushing on to the next event. 

BONUS Stress Reducer: The Rat Race Relaxer Book provides 52
stress busting tips -- one for every week of 2005 -- that
will challenge you and your friends to get what you want in
return for running the rat race!

While the keys may appear simple, they are guaranteed to
help you tackle the rat race head-on, and turn it into a
race than can be run --and won-- by charting your own course
rather than navigating someone else's. 

All Rights Reserved. * Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer:
Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey.


JoAnna Carey, aka "The Rat Race Relaxer," is available for
radio, TV and print interviews. She's an energetic, young
entrepreneur who merges her life experience and business
success to perform enjoyable, influential presentations. She
is the producer and host of her own weekly television
program titled The Rat Race Relaxer™ Show and the author of
Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life. Contact
Carey'D Away Enterprises, LLC; http://www.RatRaceRelaxer.com.