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Redefining Stress

How to train your brain to conquer anxiety and depression

by G. Frank Lawlis

G. Frank Lawlis, PhD, is principal content and oversight adviser of the Dr. Phil Show. See full bio

November 18, 2008, Anxiety

Comments on "The Gift of Stress from Santa Claus"

The Gift of Stress from Santa Claus

By G. Frank Lawlis, Ph.D. on November 18, 2008 in Redefining Stress

It is no surprise that we are approaching the stressful time of the year - the holidays. It seems paradoxical that "holidays" are defined as times meant for joy and release from work demands. The pictures of children dancing around, opening up gifts, families smiling in the chorus of a song, and group pictures are actual higher stress than routine Mondays. Read More

shingle bells

Submitted by YG on November 18, 2008 - 10:31am.

I had to laugh reading your article... My first Christmas home after moving 2000 miles away was such an enormous trainwreck of cramming presents into suitcases, smushed bows and all, and running myself ragged trying to visit and make merriment with EVERYONE who I'd left behind, that the day I reboarded my plane for my normal life, I started developing a rash that turned out to be full-blown shingles! I was an otherwise completely healthy 25 yr old! I love my family dearly but this year I'm going to skip out entirely and volunteer at a homeless shelter and the world and I will be bettter for it :)