It is possible to reduce your stress levels by looking for positive things in other people and situations.

We have entered into the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season. With the passing of each day as we approach Christmas the potential for stress rises. In an effort to manage the stress level of the season I ran across this article by John Boe in a November 27th article in RISMEDIA.

Structural engineers get paid big bucks to design buildings strong enough to withstand the damaging impact brought on by Mother Nature’s fury. They use computer simulations to help them identify and mitigate stress-fatigue factors, which might contribute to the collapse of the building. Ironically, people, like buildings, are also susceptible to stress-fatigue factors and physical collapse brought on by the crippling affects derived from excessive fear, anxiety and worry.

Research indicates that a person will react to stressful situations based upon the temperament style that he or she was born into. For example, aggressive people have “anger management,” expressive people have “emotional management,” passive people have “self-esteem management” and analytical people have “stress management.” In other words, people who tend to be extremely detailed, organized, critical and shy attract stress into their lives like metal shavings are drawn to a magnet.

The major behaviors associated with people under stress include; aloofness, increased sadness, panic attacks, overly sarcastic humor and extreme negative self-talk. Stress occurs when an analytical or “melancholy” type of person is overwhelmed by his or her attempts to balance their physical, financial, personal, spiritual and career interests. The long-term affects of prolonged stress are accumulative and can be physically and mentally damaging over time. Stress manifests in the body as TMJ / teeth grinding, tension headaches, neck / shoulder pain and lower back pain. Here are several practical ideas that you can use to help you dramatically reduce your stress level and live a much more productive life.

Stress Management Tips

1. Get plenty of sleep.

2. Eat balanced meals and avoid eating junk food.

3. Drink plenty of water and avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants.

4. Avoid drinking alcohol in excess.

5. Learn to make decisions quickly and let go of the need to over-analyze everything.

6. Express your feelings appropriately and don’t bottle up your emotions.

7. Avoid trying for perfection and don’t sweat the small stuff.

8. Maintain a positive mental attitude by utilizing affirmative “self-talk.”

9. Stop worrying so much and look at situations more optimistically.

10. Smile and laugh frequently throughout the day, don’t take yourself so seriously.

11. Mix leisure with work: take breaks and get away when you can.

12. Make a point to spend quality time with your friends and family.

13. Become more tolerant and don’t be overly critical of yourself or others.

14. Always be kind and gentle with yourself.

15. Listen to upbeat music or watch your favorite movie.

16. Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week.

17. Set written goals, plan your time and prioritize your activates.

18. Keep a list of “things to do” and stay focused on short-term accomplishments.

19. Get a massage or take a warm bath.

20. Do something nice for someone else.

I hope you, your family and friends take time to enjoy each day leading to Christmas and may your Holiday Season be Joyful and STRESS FREE!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to your family!

This is Pickleball

In addition to the experiential exhibits which are unique to this sesquicentennial event the day will also offer more traditional activities like bingo, square dancing, and children’s games. The 150th Cake Cutting Ceremony is a birthday tradition and this one offers fun and surprises. Trapp says that there will be plenty of music, free popcorn, ice cream and lemonade on hand as well.

Schedule of Events for September 3rd:
Downtown Brevard: 10am-5pm

9am-2pm 3rd Annual Farm Fair: Celebrating Our Local Producers at The American Legion Building (55 East Jordan Street)

10am-5pm Founders Day at the Transylvania Heritage Museum:
Cherokee Presentations, Genealogy Displays, Crafters, Civil War Re-enactment Camp, and more! (189 West Main Street)

10am-5pm Experience Transylvania: A series of interactive exhibits where you
can experience our history

10am-4pm Bingo

10am-5pm Heritage Pavilion: Demonstrations and Performances

Square Dancing • Live Heritage Music All Day

11am-2pm Traditional Kids’ Games

11pm-3pm Free Popcorn, Ice cream and Lemonade

2pm 150th Cake Cutting Ceremony
Brevard College: 7pm-10pm

You are invited to come down to Brevard College early to picnic. Free music will begin at 6:30pm

7:00pm FREE Edwin McCain Concert
Sponsored by the City of Brevard

9pm Multi-Media Fireworks Extravaganza sponsored in part by Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company
Featuring Brevard Community Band and Brevard College’s Music Department Students

Cardboard boats may not be the most seaworthy of vessels, but they’ll be the stars of the day in construction competition, derring-do races, a parade and theatrical skits.  And, if that‟s not enough, there‟ll be kiddy events, music, a raffle, and fire trucks on display.  Connestee Falls Overlook Clubhouse is providing a catered picnic.

Make plans now to spend your holiday weekend in beautiful  downtown Brevard.

Where else can you catch the hometown spirit, but in Downtown Brevard for Independence Day!

We start off with a bang early in the morning with the 5K/10K Firecracker Run, organized by the Brevard Rotary Club.

During the day, downtown streets are closed to an overflowing crowd. In 2011 Transylvania Community Arts Council hosts its 39th Annual Fine Arts & Craft Showcase. Not only is this a great way to showcase the artists of the region, but what better time to come and shop for those special gifts?!

Our Classic Automobile Show stretches for blocks and delights even the casual aficionado of 1920s to 1970s vintage vehicles. Organized by the Transylvania Cruisers, entertainers like Elvis and the Blues Brothers have been known to show up and croon while you swoon over these classic beauties.

The music doesn’t stop with the cars. Our Courthouse Gazebo is center stage for day-long musical entertainment.

2011 Gazebo Entertainment Schedule:
11:00am    Wanda Lu Paxton & Rule 62
12:00pm    Deano and the Dreamers
1:00pm      Lynn Goldsmith & The Jeter Mountain Band
2:00pm      Stepchild
3:00pm      Sylvan Square Dancers
4:00pm      Moon Shine Babies

For more information visit Heart of Brevard or call 828-884-3278

Date set for the 2011 ride…April 9. Make your plans now.

The Assault on the Carolinas is the annual fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club. They offer a 100k, 60k, and 40k rides. The 100k goes through NC/SC mountains and valleys. Fully supported ride with 4 well stocked rest stops, and a challenging 6 mile climb up Ceasar’s Head. The 60 and 40k go through the river valleys of Scenic Transylvania County.

The Assault on the Carolinas is the major fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club. All of the funds raised are returned to our community through the various charities we support including: Sharing House, Safe Attic, Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County, Camp Shield, Scholarships, and most recently Transylvania Youth Soccer.

Grab your friends and enjoy a Country Christmas. Neighborhoods featured on the tour this year include: Straus Park, Cadence Point, Mountain Brook, Rosman, Middlefork and the Glady Fork area. Homes are selected by location, décor, design and or views. Most homes this year will be decorating for the Holidays.

To order tickets for the Holiday Tour of Homes ($30) or to order tickets to the Kick-off Party ($50) call the TC Arts Council at 884-2787. The Transylvania Community Arts Council is located at 349 S. Caldwell Street in Brevard. All proceeds go to support the TC Arts Council’s youth programs. TC Arts would like to thank Comporium, Audrey Love Charitable Foundation and the NC Arts Council for supporting this event.

Artists featured in the Santa’s Palette this year include: George Andrews, Donna Allstaedt, Sonia Arnold, Elaine Bailey, Rick Bland, Marcia Brennan, Joe Bruneau, Aleshka Cleveland, Carole Coogan, Ann & Marlin Dixon, Sharyn Fogel, Madelene Gozansky, Pam Granger-Gale, Joseph Hagarty, Kathy Hardy, Ellen Harris, Sue Hershey, Joan Mastny, Jessica Midget, Linda Muir, Deda Parker, Allison Pressley, Ellen Riching Stinchcomb, Ann Zelle and many more.

Our Twilight Tour takes a turn back in time, celebrating mountain traditions.  Get a glimpse of the various downtown shops and restaurants by hitching a horse carriage ride at any of the 3 different carriage stops. (One route even takes you to the Festival of Trees at Silvermont.)  While waiting in line you’re sure to be entertained with karaoke, movies, and theatrical drama.

The Courthouse lawn will be sparkling with twinkling lights.  School children and community choir musicians will gather at the gazebo to fill the evening air with holiday songs.  Special pantomime of a LIVE NATIVITY on the courthouse steps will be performed by Brevard Wesleyan Church.

The sidewalks will glow in the light of 1000 luminaries.  See if you can spot the special Christmas characters roaming the streets in their lighted costumes.

The downtown shops and restaurants welcome you with entertainment, refreshment and, of course, special holiday gift ideas.  On the streets our community non-profits provide good cheer and activities while you mingle with friends and family.  Santa Claus will be waiting at My Favorite Seasons for children to review their holiday wish list.

As a special treat immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor Jimmy Harris will be reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas” in the main downtown intersection.  Jingle Bell Rockis this year’s Christmas Parade theme.

Free carriage rides provided by:

United Community Bank

Transylvania Regional Hospital