Writing to Reduce Holiday Stress

As the holidays approach, some of us start to feel stretched thin. When the stress of shopping, decorating and preparing for the celebration kicks in, that's the perfect time to center with a few minutes of writing. Research from Southern Methodist University shows that a 15-minute daily writing practice alleviates stress and that it boosts the immune system's functioning.

If you find that all the writing you are doing is "to do" lists, try these ideas.

• Write brief "love notes" to tuck into Christmas cards or to email to friends.
• Collect several favorite family recipes and jot down the stories they evoke to send to family members.
• Give the gift of memory by reflecting on the best holiday you had as a child and write a short remembrance to share with children and grandchildren.
• Have fun composing a letter to Santa. Mail it.