Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, associate professor of psychology and author of "Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear," offers these tips for reducing stress during the holidays.  Dr. Neal-Barnett can be reached at 330-672-2266, 330-672-8589 or aneal@kent.edu.

·        Take Care of yourself – Often we are so focused on making the holidays special for everyone else that we forget about ourselves. Remember to tend to your own needs. Doing so will help you and those you love appreciate the holidays more.

·        Ask for help – When you begin to feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Don't let your anxious feelings multiply because you are afraid of what people will think if you ask for help.

·        Remember the healing power of music – If you find yourself becoming stressed, play or hum a song that soothes your nerves or gives you hope. It really does make a difference.

·        Stay in the moment – Be aware of your feelings from moment to moment in an objective, nonjudgmental way. Don't let toxic thoughts stick; just let them go. Once you empty your mind, fill it with positive thoughts.

·        Change your response – For many people the same issues cause stress holiday season after holiday season. Identify what is causing the stress and change the way you respond to it.