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Americans having a Holly Jolly, Stress Free Christmas

Christmas Cheer‘Tis indeed the season to be jolly for Americans, who are experiencing their lowest levels of holiday stress in years, according to a new CNN/ORC nationwide poll.

The poll suggests they’ve already decked their halls with boughs of holly, as only 30% of the public said they’re feeling a great deal or fair amount of stress from all the things they need to do to get ready for Christmas.

That’s a steep drop from 2005, when a vast majority of Americans must’ve left the tree-trimming to the last minute, as 86% said they felt a great deal or fair amount of stress that year. In 1989, 76% felt the same, perhaps because they waited too long to buy the new Nintendo Game Boy, the hot toy released that year.

Read more from this story HERE.

The Northern Lights improve our mental health, help us overcome stress

A jaw-dropping moment really can make time appear to stand still – or at least slow down, new research suggests.

Regular “awesome” experiences may also improve our mental health and make us nicer people, claim psychologists.

The findings raise the prospect of “awe therapy” to overcome the stressful effects of fast-paced modern life.

Awe is the emotion felt when encountering something so vast and overwhelming it alters one’s mental perspective.

Examples might include experiencing a breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon, taking in the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, or becoming lost in a dazzling display of stars on a clear, dark night.

Read more from this story HERE.

Photo credit: Schwebbes