Christmas Stress Tips

I let my obligations slide, remembering for one afternoon, at least, to do what the expert -- at that moment in the form of a strikingly sensible toddler -- said, and I focused on what really needed to be done.

'Tis the season to be jolly -- and also stressed out. If you're feeling irritable, rushed, resentful, lonely or overwhelmed, keep these strategies in mind to help boost your happiness.

We always have so much to be grateful for. At this time of the year, we can take a step back, breathe deeply and experience the gratitude we have for our lives, the people in it and ourselves. If not now, then when?

Try as we might to be merry, social gatherings, family feuds, tipping and tippling all contribute to increased stress at a time when we should be counting our blessings instead of blood pressure levels.