Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping you had a terrific holiday, filled with family, friends, and laughter. And, if you’re anything like me, for the last week you’ve been rushing around, wrapping last-minute gifts, welcoming visitors, and whipping up food for a crowd—then tackling stack after never-ending stack of dirty dishes. So my next wish for you is that you have a chance to relax today before the New Year’s celebration begins. Here’s how to head in the right direction:

• Work in a workout. Take a brisk 30-minute walk outside. The fresh air and time to yourself will do you good.
• Rub away the tension. A massage will have you relaxed and feeling stress-free in no time. Use mood-boosting herbal oils, such as bergamot, geranium, jasmine, neroli, or ylang-ylang, all of which are available at health food stores.
• Eat good mood food. Tryptophan-rich foods, such as turkey, chicken, fish, dairy products, soybeans, nuts, and avocados can ease stress. So spread some guacamole on a slice of leftover turkey, or grab a handful of almonds, and snack away.
• Get help from hyssop. Relax in a hyssop herbal bath before you head for bed, and I guarantee you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Simply drop 4 or 5 hyssop tea bags (found at any health food store) into the running bathwater and add a few teaspoons of oatmeal. Let the bags float as you soak, and soon your troubles will also float—away!

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