If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night scrambling to add to your growing holiday to-do list, you are not alone. Many people find the holiday season to be one of the most stressful times of the year, despite extra vacation time, an over-abundance of delicious treats and ample family time.

Expectations are high during the holidays. Family get-togethers, extra costs and big trips often bring with them lots of additional things to worry about. Follow these tips from Bank of America and AOL to see how a little planning will go a long way.

1. No more backtracking: A lesser-known “route planner” feature on MapQuest helps you save both time and money by mapping out an entire journey – with multiple stops – all in one convenient step. You can add up to 25 destinations along any route, and the tool gives you the fastest route. According to MapQuest, since launching in July, it has saved North Americans more than 3.2 million miles.

2. Walk off your pie: Walk off the holiday meal and recharge your mental batteries. Start a family tradition. Go for a two mile walk and you’ll burn off about 170 calories, equivalent to one slice of pumpkin pie, according to About.com’s Thanksgiving Calorie Calculator.

3. Cover yourself: Make sure you’re protected while tracking down the best deals online. Don’t share personal or account information with anyone. You will have access to funds the next business day in most cases, pending resolution of claim. Consult customer and account agreements for full details.

4. Avoid holiday shipping cost hikes: Make online purchases immediately to avoid rush and expedited shipping charges. Staying one step ahead of shipping deadlines will help ensure your packages reach their destination on time and under your budget. Mark it on your calendar now so you don’t forget.

5. PIN check: If you are traveling internationally, take note that ATMs in many countries do not recognize PIN numbers with more than four digits. Do some double-checking in advance to ensure you can access your funds while abroad.

6. Avoid holiday meal meltdown: Planning and delegating is key to preparing the perfect holiday meal. Assign a dish per guest. The meal will be more delicious, more diverse and more fun for everyone involved. Can’t find a certain ingredient locally? Try a website like penzeys.com, a one-stop-shop for hard to find spices and seasonings.

7. Secure online shopping: Make sure you’re shopping on reputable websites. When checking out online, the beginning part of the address on a secure website should change from “http” to “https.” Before submitting financial information through a site, look for the “lock” icon on the bottom right of the browser’s status bar. It signals that your information is secure during transmission.

8. Bank safely online: Buy software that blocks malicious programs from stealing your ID and passcode and tampering with your online accounts.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: Cheryl@anewwaytoheal.com

Stress can become a very powerful enemy in your life if you let it. We often avoid stressful situations in hopes that they will go away on their own. Usually they don’t, so it may be time to adopt a different approach. Let’s get your mouth working to relieve your stress.

Talk Therapy

Some people feel that talking is overrated. When you talk nothing gets solved. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Talk to a friend. We all have at least one person we can trust with our feelings. They won’t judge us. Schedule a time when you and this person can meet so that you can vent. They are your sounding board for lack of a better word.

We keep so much bottled up inside of us. Inside is not a good place for all of those frustrations and emotions to be because it starts to affect the way that our body works. Letting it out and giving it a voice can be a surprisingly good way to de-stress.

Use positive affirmations. This is not saying a mantra like “om” all day long. Instead it is a way to channel your negative thoughts. Unless we speak, many of us don’t realize how much negativity we are carrying around with us. It can be a result of stress or the reason that we are not coping well with the stressors in our lives.

Keeping a stress journal is not only to identify stressors in your life but also patterns of stress. Negative thoughts tend to flow out of us onto that page as well. Examine your journal for negative thought patterns. Taking one at a time, use them to create a positive affirmation.

Here’s an example. Let’s say that for some reason you think that your boss doesn’t like you. You may have had a reprimand once and now you are stressed being around him or her. Put a positive spin on that to say that your boss appreciates all of your hard work. Over time, you will develop a different attitude towards your boss and your work.

Talk to a therapist or trained counselor. This person has experience recognizing negative thought patterns. You won’t have to lie down on a couch and spill your deepest darkest secrets. You simply have a conversation about what is bothering you. That would be the stressful situations in your life.

Through your comments, the therapist can prescribe a type of cognitive therapy for you. This involves recognizing how you think and feel about certain situations and people. When your thoughts are negative, that can cloud the situation.

Like in the previous example, believing that your boss doesn’t like you can change the entire way you view them but also your job in general. Going to work each day becomes a stressor. With that in mind, a therapist can reveal this distorted way of thinking and how it has contributed to your stress. They can suggest ways to stop those thought patterns when they start and replace them with a more positive and realistic view of the situation.

Are you stressed? Talk it out.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com

Trying to talk to your boss can be uncomfortable and awkward. But if you know the right way to approach your superiors, you can survive the encounter and even thrive in your workplace.

Effective communication with your boss is essential for many reasons. If you want to ask for a raise or talk about another employee’s behavior, communicating effectively can increase your chances of success.

If you want to make a suggestion that you think could help the company, your idea will only be considered if you handle the encounter in a way that’s most beneficial. Here are some suggestions to get your conversation off on the right foot when talking with your boss.

Be Aware of Your Boss’ Schedule

If you don’t know your boss’ schedule, you risk approaching him when he’s not receptive. Know what kind of schedule he keeps. There are times when he’s more stressed and times when he’s more relaxed, so focus on talking with him at his convenience.

Bosses are often busy and stressed. If he’s busy with someone else, pick a different time to address your concern or ask your question. If possible, schedule some time to talk to your boss so you’re not interrupting anything. When you plan meetings, it shows that you have your boss’ best interests in your mind.

Show him that you understand the value of time. Schedule the meeting in advance so that other things don’t interfere with your chances of success. If you’re considerate of his busy schedule, your boss will likely be more receptive to what you have to say.

Pay Attention to Industry Trends

One way to get your boss’ attention is to know what’s going on in your industry. Staying knowledgeable can help you get ahead and make your conversation with your boss more effective. And, your boss is more likely to remember the conversation in a positive way.

Ways to stay up-to-date with industry trends include:

• Reading industry trade magazines
• Talking with others in the same profession
• Attending conferences and listening to speakers
• Keeping up with the news

If you pay close attention to what’s happening around you, you’ll be able to show your boss that the company’s goals are important to you. Communicating this commitment can help you get promoted, keep your job in a tight economy, and make your opinion appear more valuable to others.

Stand Up For Yourself

Everyone fears rejection, but giving in to that fear can stop you from achieving the career success you deserve. If you have something important to discuss, you should do so. Just remember stay calm and present a professional image. Avoid profanity, slang, being too informal, and other things that might turn your boss off to what you have to say.

Of course, every industry is different. Effective communication with your boss in a construction environment is different than in a corporate office. In every setting, however, the general keys to success are the same. Remain polite and professional. Your boss will notice and your communication with him will be effective as a result.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@anewwaytoheal.com.

Do you feel restless, worrying about the troubles you currently face? Do you long for peace in your mind and confidence about the direction you’re headed? Instead of avoiding your thoughts and challenges, focus on acceptance and solutions. You don’t have to deal with a troubled mind forever. You have the power within yourself to mend your situation.

Try the following techniques to ease your troubled mind:

1. Accept your situation. Resolve today to accept the things about your situation that you cannot change. If you fight the fact that you have difficulties, you’ll turn your challenges into bigger ones. Accepting your situation can bring you a certain peace within yourself that makes dealing with the challenges you face easier.

2. Focus on solutions. Instead of dwelling on the obstacles in front of you, think of as many solutions as possible. Pick the choice that seems best to you and begin implementing it today.

• In every moment, ask yourself whether or not there’s something you can be doing to work toward a solution. Ask yourself, “What could I do right now that would make this situation better?” Take action, and you’ll almost always experience an immediate sense of relief.

3. Focus on letting go of the past. Regret and sorrow about the past are huge contributors to a troubled mind. You might find it easy to forget the small things, but larger issues from the past continue to creep into your mind. Your past is behind you, and a peaceful future is ahead if you choose to embrace it.

4. Ask for help. Rather than facing the difficulties of life alone, open yourself up to friends or trusted family members. You can even seek professional help if necessary. The expertise and support of others may be just what you need to experience a breakthrough.

5. Do something fun. Sometimes all it takes is something lighthearted to get your mind into a better place. Instead of wallowing in a bad mood, choose something that you like to do and give yourself a break. Temporarily leave your cares behind and immerse yourself in an activity you enjoy.

6. Make new friends. Making new friends is a great way to get your mind off of your troubles. Friends will be there to support you when you’re down and open you up to new options that you probably wouldn’t have considered otherwise. When you focus on others, it distracts you and increases your self-esteem at the same time.

7. Focus on relaxation. If your thoughts cause you to feel anxious and tense, set aside time for deep breathing and relaxation. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly. It only takes a few minutes to replace feelings of anxiety with feelings of peace and relaxation.

If your mind is troubled, listen to your feelings. Let them cause you to seek relief. Ignoring these anxious thoughts may make you feel worse. Instead, choose one or more of these ideas and put it into practice today. If you do, you’ll begin to experience the inner peace you crave!

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com

Is your job a source of stress and frustration? Do you dread each time the alarm sounds? Does your work fail to ignite passion in your heart?

Believe it or not, your employment can provide both the income you need and the fulfillment you crave!

Add To Your Skill Set

One of the reasons your job may be undesirable and unfulfilling is that it becomes mundane. You do the same tasks, in the same order. Every day is exactly the same as yesterday, and it’s a drain on your energy and creativity.

Remember that you can always add to your skill set. Even if something isn’t in your job description, you can take the initiative to learn more. If you haven’t found your purpose yet, you can find it if you refuse to put up with more of the same.

For instance, if you’re working a retail job and you’re only in charge of cashier transactions, pursue other opportunities. Maybe you can learn more about the other positions at the store and offer opinions on how to make things run more smoothly.

Study and gain experience that can lead to a managerial position. Eventually, you might find that leading people is your true purpose. If you stay in your routine, you may fail to discover the gifts within yourself that can lead to a more exciting daily experience at work.

Have The Right Attitude

Most things in life come down to having the right attitude. If you believe that you can find purpose at your job, you can. Many jobs are exciting at first. Over time, your duties can become routine and your enthusiasm can disappear quickly.

Everyone has a bad day from time to time, but most days should bring you joy. Thankfully, you can make changes that make a huge difference in the satisfaction and fulfillment you experience at work. Those changes start with an attitude that looks on the bright side and focuses on solutions instead of problems.

Identify Your Next Steps

Start by identifying the changes that you want to make. First, ask yourself if you’re in the right line of work. Do you see yourself continuing with this type of job for a long time?

If you do want to stay in this line of work, identify why you haven’t found your purpose yet. If you don’t like your line of work, it’s time to discover what it is that you want to do and go for it.

Can you identify simple changes you can make in your attitude or your approach to your duties? Write down the things you like about your job. Think about the contribution your position makes to others and to your organization. Think about the aspects of your job that fit in with your goals and values.

Reflect on what you’d like to get out of your job. Where do you see your career in five years? How about in 10 years? What results would you like to achieve? What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail? What is the next level of success that you deserve in your current position?

Make concrete long-term goals that get you energized. Even if you don’t quite reach your goals in the time frame you set for them, just working towards those goals will ignite a passion within you that fuels your journey to the joy you deserve.

Communicate Effectively

Sometimes you can ease the daily stress you feel at your job by working on communicating more effectively. If you improve the way you relate to coworkers and communicate ideas, you’ll be able to succeed more easily and more often. And you’ll be able to clear up conflict quickly. You’ll meet your goals by helping others to understand you better.

Find passion in your work by ensuring you’re in the right place, setting goals that fire you up, and taking action each day until you achieve them. If you do, you’ll find the job fulfillment that you crave.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com

If your heart is the seat of emotions then your head is the more rational part of your being. When stress threatens, keep a level head with a craniosacral massage.

Stress affects your body in a number of ways. You might notice that you have a splitting headache or pain in your body. As long as the stress persists so will the pain. One way to relieve the pain of stress and the stress itself is with a gentle massage of your head and neck using craniosacral or cranial sacral massage techniques.

People who have problems with their neck or spine can participate in massages even if they once thought that they could not. Beginning with a craniosacral massage may just solve whatever issues they are having so they can expand their repertoire and enjoy other types of massages as well.

The principle of craniosacral massage therapy is the restoration of misaligned bones in the body. These bones can be the skull communicating with the spine or slipped disks in the spine. A massage therapist who specializes in craniosacral massage will be able to help with that pain. People who suffer from migraine headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain benefit from this type of massage, too.

Positioning is important for craniosacral massage. Instead of a massage table, you will recline in a padded chair. Proper alignment and comfort are essential for any type of massage. Because the massage therapist is working in a delicate area, tell him or her if you feel any pain from the positioning or anything techniques they are performing.

For those of you who are body shy, you don’t have to undress for a craniosacral massage. The main emphasis is on the head and neck so you are safe to keep your undies covered. You may want to wear a shirt that is easy to pull off of the shoulders. If the massage extends here your clothing won’t be stained by the essential oils used on your skin.

A craniosacral massage is very relaxing for your facial bones and muscles. For people who carry tension in their face, you’ve never felt a massage more gentle and effective for this area. With soft music playing and your eyes closed, this type of head and neck massage can remove pain and restore function to your body. Those suffering from respiratory ailments have also found comfort and relief through craniofacial massage.

The practice of massage is an ancient art with many benefits. For stress sufferers who develop problems with headaches, neck muscles and the like, craniosacral massage could be the answer you’ve been looking for. If you just want to give your spine the love it deserves, this massage is a winner.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@cherylyprice.com

Are you looking for a way to relax and melt away the stresses of the day? A Swedish massage can return you to your former self, pre-stress stage. It is a massage that works to soothe out the muscles through a variety of techniques.

A Swedish massage is the treatment most people get at the spa. Like you have probably guessed, it was developed in Sweden and adopted in the United States. It is a classic massage technique that uses kneading (like dough), rubbing with palms and fingertips, chopping motions and sometimes vibrations (bowls and balls) to relax the body and work out the tension. It is easy on the body and should not hurt at all. If you have problems with deep muscle pain a Swedish massage will be more beneficial as a maintenance massage after you have used another therapy to relax the muscles.

The techniques used in the Swedish massage have a list of health benefits associated with it. The technique relaxes you first of all and also improves circulation throughout body. The increased circulation results in better oxygenation of the tissues and more energy for you. If you have pain in your joints such as arthritis, a regular massage such as the Swedish massage will alleviate that pain and make movement easier.

Massage therapy has a detoxifying effect on your body. The stroking and pressure moves toxins from the organs and body tissues into the bloodstream where they can then be eliminated from the body. The removal of toxins can lower stress levels which in turn will lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Your Swedish massage will most likely be conducted on a padded massage table used for your comfort. Your body will be covered with a towel or sheet except for the area that is being massaged at the time. For easy access and application of oils, most of your clothing will have to be removed. Some people are shy about this and some don’t care. Use your best judgment.

The oils are used to help the massage therapist work their techniques better. If at any time you feel pain, be sure to let them know. The Swedish massage is one of the most relaxing and mild massages you can have, so enjoy the experience. You might even have music playing in the background or low lighting to further relax you.

For your first massage, try a Swedish massage. It is an excellent way to curb stress reactions in your body and spend a free afternoon.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@cherylyprice.com

Sitting at a desk or standing all day can be hard on the muscles not to mention the joints. Relaxing can be a real chore when your body is tied up in knots from remaining in one fixed position for most of the day. What you need now is a deep tissue massage to iron out the kinks.

Now, here’s a warning for those who are new to massage therapy. A deep tissue massage is not the one to start with first. If your body has not been touched by the hands of an experienced massage therapist, it might feel like Nurse Ratchet is working on you. Some of the kneading techniques used in a deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable when applied and you don’t want to walk out of there crying (can you still walk?).

It’s not as bad as it seems for most people. When you visit a massage therapist you will be asked a series of questions designed to get at what is causing you problems. If it is soreness in the muscles from sports, exercise or stress, you already know what real pain feels like. If pain relievers or heat packs didn’t do the job, the muscle is in need of some real TLC. To unknot those muscle fibers, the massage has to target those areas with pressure to do the job.

A deep tissue massage works well for people who suffer with chronic pain as a result of their jobs. It seems to go away for a while but comes right back. Places of recurrent muscle pain are mostly the neck and shoulders and the lower back. A deep tissue massage is in the cards for you.

Like most Western massages, you will lie on a massage table. It could be one with the hole for your face or you may be asked to turn your head to the left or right. You will have to remove your clothing but how much you feel like shedding is up to you. You remain covered with towels the entire time.

Massage oils are used to cut down on friction between their hands and your skin. With a deep tissue massage, there will be pressure touches with the fingers and also the elbows. As soon as the massage therapist touches you they will be able to tell just where the problem is.

Immediately after the massage, your body may feel sore. The muscles have been sorted out and the areas will feel tender. After a day or two the relaxation tends to take over and you feel the full benefit of the deep tissue technique. You’ll be astonished by the lack of tension in your muscles.

Has pain got you down or stress tying you up in knots? Try a deep tissue massage to work out the pain and knead in the comfort.

Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: cheryl@cherylyprice.com

Nearly everyone will have trouble sleeping from time to time. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Either way, these challenges can affect your life in many negative ways. The good news is that there are simple strategies you can use to get a better night’s sleep.

Try these strategies to chase away your insomnia and wake up refreshed:

1. Keep the lights off. Even small lights can affect your body’s natural ability to determine night from day. Turn off all the lights when it’s time for bed, including nightlights, bathroom lights, and computers. Sometimes even the neon numbers from your alarm clock can be bothersome.
2. Wind down at night. Avoid trying to transition straight from an activity to sleep time. This can cause your mind to race continuously. Approximately 30 minutes before you go to bed, do something calming in order to ease your mind. Many people find activities such as praying, meditating, reading, or listening to relaxing music to be the perfect sleep inducer.
3. Keep yourself on a schedule. It’s always a good idea to have your life on a general schedule. It works well for babies, toddlers, and for you too! Schedules allow you to set up natural rhythms in your body and mind. Sleeping for different lengths of time can confuse your body. If you have trouble sleeping one night, get up at the normal time and remain on your normal schedule the next day.
4. Keep an eye on your diet. Eating a balanced diet gives you a better chance for a good night’s sleep. It’s especially important to pay attention to the things you eat and drink in the few hours before your bedtime.   It’s best to avoid anything containing sugar, caffeine, alcohol, high fructose corn syrup, or red dyes shortly before you sleep. Try drinking chamomile tea before bed. Chamomile is a calming herb.
5. Exercise during the day. Keeping yourself on a regular exercise routine will actually help you get a quality night’s rest. Even 30 minutes of light exercise can benefit you in many ways. Avoid exercising right before you go to bed, because exercise energizes you.
6. Avoid naps. Naps can be tempting, especially during a lull in the afternoon. However, some people tend to have trouble with their nighttime sleep if they nap during the day. If you feel that you must take a nap, try to make it only 15 to 30 minutes. That should be enough time to give you a little rest before continuing with your day.
7. Ensure you’re comfortable. Your bed might even be interfering with your sleep. Are you having issues with the quality of your mattress or the type of blankets and pillows you use? If they feel uncomfortable in any way, try changing to a different style.    What about the positions that you use for sleep? Do you have plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable?
8. Check the temperature. Determine the temperature you enjoy sleeping at during the night. It’s usually a few degrees cooler than you’ll keep the house during the day. You may want to experiment with adjusting the temperature.    Also pay attention to the humidity to keep you from feeling stuffy. During the winter, the heater can dry out the air and a humidifier in your bedroom can help you breathe easier.

A good night’s sleep is critical to your health and enables you to live an active, fulfilling life. Just keep searching for a strategy that works for you. If you continue to have trouble sleeping after trying these tips, keep in mind that you can always talk with a physician about your insomnia.

Please leave a comment.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com

The fast-paced, hectic world we live in is fraught with situations that can cause us to feel an unhealthy amount of stress. This stress sometimes develops into, or manifests itself as, worries and fears, leading to feelings of anxiety. Have you fallen into this frustrating path?

If so, it’s comforting to know that you can ease feelings of anxiety by understanding your worries and fears and taking action to get to the root of them. One of the prime natural methods to easing anxiety is the use of meditation.

Meditation is a basic self-help technique that can get you in better touch with yourself. It also relieves stress, relaxes your body, and calms your mind.

Getting to the Root of Your Anxiety

Anxiety is a scary thing because it’s your body’s reaction to a fearful situation, except anxiety can form when there’s no perceived threat. You may even fall into a pattern where you’re afraid of the fear itself, so you avoid situations that have brought out anxiety in the past.

However, you’ll soon find that avoiding life does nothing to help you solve your challenges. You can enjoy much better results by figuring out the real causes of your feelings of anxiety. Participating in counseling or group therapy situations may help you understand these feelings. Another way to get to the root of your feelings is by practicing meditation.

Starting Out With Meditation

There are different ways you can approach a meditative practice. You can start by just picking a time everyday when you can calmly be alone without distractions. Begin your meditation by taking deep breaths and focusing only on each breath as it goes in and out.

On a particularly stressful day, you might have more difficulty focusing on your breath. The thoughts of whatever is stressing you may keep getting in the way. When this happens, acknowledge the thought and then go back to concentrating on your breath. Eventually, you’ll feel your mind grow calm.

As you calm your mind, begin purposefully taking notice of your thoughts. All you must do is notice them, and then return your attention to your breath again. If any thoughts make you uncomfortable or tense, relax your muscles and then focus on your breath again.

Try not to stress yourself out further by getting frustrated with the meditation process. As you continue to practice, it will get easier, and you’ll look forward to your relaxation sessions.

Maintaining Your Practice

Meditating will help you become fully aware of the present moment. Remind yourself to spend a portion of every day in the present so you’re not burdened by past and future stress. With regular practice, you’ll be able to expand the amounts of time that you stay in the present.

By continuing to meditate on a consistent basis, you’ll begin to notice your true self. You can discover a lot about your life by maintaining awareness of the present moment. You’ll also notice the way your body reacts to stress and anxiety and can take measures to counteract it.

When Meditation Isn’t Enough

Although meditating can go a long way toward easing your feelings of anxiety, sometimes meditation practice alone may not be your complete solution. In these situations, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many treatment options that include other natural methods, counseling services, and even medications.

With meditation and other methods, if necessary, you can make your feelings of anxiety become a faint memory of the past. Be proactive about creating a life free from fears or worries, and start meditating today so you can look forward to a bright future!

Please leave a comment.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I look forward to healing with you,

Cheryl Y. Price, Ph.D.

W: www.anewwaytoheal.com

E: holisticspeaker@gmail.com