NIAGARA, Wis. — The holiday season has officially begun. We have all enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast, maybe visited a few stores to take advantage of “Black Friday” deals, and now look ahead to Christmas.

As much as we would like to relax and let the peace and joy of the season settle into our bones, too many of us become overwhelmed with the extra preparations this annual celebration brings. So today I wanted to take a few minutes of your time, before the craziness sets in, to take a look at the stress in our lives and how we can manage it. While stress is an unavoidable part of the human experience, learning how to manage our stress can ensure that we don’t get swept away in a current of anxiety on a regular basis.

In medical circles, stress has been linked to negative physical conditions such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate and high blood sugar levels, as well as mental health issues such as anger, depression and anxiety. In short, managing our stress is the sort of critical life skill that only gets more necessary over time.

Stress can feel overwhelming when you’re in the thick of it, trying to juggle too many things at work or attempting to care for others while disregarding your own needs. That’s why it’s so important to be reminded that this, too, shall pass, and that your worries are temporary, and your own resilience and fortitude will outlast them.

In fact, one major way to combat stress is to choose not to engage with it. As motivational speaker Mark Black said, “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” Read the insights below. They may be helpful to refer to in times of tension and strain as they offer up reassurances that no matter how stressful a moment is, the next may just bring calm and certitude.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen Covey.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” — Kahlil Gibran.

“When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” — Alexander Graham Bell.

“A good way to overcome stress is to help others out of theirs.” — Dada Vaswani.

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.” — Mary Oliver.

“All the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not realizing you already are what you are looking for.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn.

“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” — Oprah Winfrey.

“Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.” — Robert Eliot.

“I think that we have to realize that times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.” — Abraham J. Twerski.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein.

“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” — Najwa Zebian.

“Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness. Not through insensibility but through greatness of mind.” — Aristotle.

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” — Thich Nhat Hang.

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” — Amit Ray.

I can remember always being “stressed out” when I was younger. As a student, I studied hard, yet worried about every assignment and test. There was no taking one step at a time for me; I was always working on one project and worrying about the deadline for the next. As a young working mother, I stressed over spending enough time with our sons and the work I had to get done at the office. I juggled multiple balls and felt I could not afford to drop any of them. My husband worked on the road and was only home on weekends for many of those years, so he was not around to help me keep myself balanced. But, when he was home, he always asked me the same question when I voiced my concerns: “Can we do anything about it tonight?” Of course, my answer was always “no,” to which he said, “Then let’s get some sleep now, and we will deal with it in the morning.”

Today is a different story. Our sons are grown with families of their own. My husband and I are both retired. I splurged recently and arranged for a cleaning woman to come monthly, so that task is now off my list. We have settled into a nice routine, and I cannot say that I stress over much these days. And, we are still both reasonably healthy so this is a good time in our life. I feel very fortunate.

But not everyone is retired and many face stress daily. So, find one activity or one time of day that you can claim as yours, during which you can do exactly what you want to do in order to relax. It may be an hour early in the day before everyone else is up. It may be an hour in the evening after everyone else has gone to bed. It may be a walk over your lunch break at work.

Finally, if you have perfectionistic tendencies, curb them by practicing the phrase, “I have done my best — this is good enough.”

Now… take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays!

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; ice cream, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Small group, 10 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; pool noodles hockey, 11 a.m.; decorating Christmas cookies with homeschool buddies, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Small group, 10 a.m.; movie in dining room, 10:30 a.m.; homeschool kids will be here to carol down the halls, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Fun riddles, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Small group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Family Christmas ice cream social, 2 to 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social/early bird bingo, 9:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Santa’s elves, 1:15 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; musical carolers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 6, p.m.

Wednesday: Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Pass the prize, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wine tasting, 2 p.m.; Christmas movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/name that word, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Christmas movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; movin’ and groovin’, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; cookie decorating, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; December fun facts and trivia, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Christmas sing along, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunches, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Christmas card writing and gift wrapping, 10 a. m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn: “Polar Express,” 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Seahawks, 7:20 p.m.

Monday: Shopping outing, 8 a.m.; rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; making gingerbread houses, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; Christmas music, 1:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; light tour, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; Christmas cookie decorating, 2 p.m.; entertainment, Bob Wilinski on the accordion, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Penny ante, 10 a.m.; resident Christmas party with music, treats, and drinks, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; catch up on a show.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Baking chocolate chip cookies, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Christmas coloring, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise, dance, 10 a.m.; staff soup contest, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Merry Christmas with Larry, live music, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; word search, 10:30 a. m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a. m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday Funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; CNPS high school band, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles; Christmas light tour.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room and baking, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, Christmas light tour.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; a first time for everything, 11 a.m.; “Polar Express,” 1:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; school Christmas program, daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; early bird bingo/trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Bunco, 2 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, Christmas spirit drop off.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pack the present, 11 a.m.; Christmas party with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Vegetable pizza, low-fat cottage cheese, pineapple tidbits.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Holiday meal — ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, cookies.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Tuesday: Smothered chicken and dressing sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, Hawaiian dinner roll.

Thursday: Holiday meal — ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean bake, dinner roll, pie.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Cheesy cod, parsley potatoes, homemade coleslaw.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Blackened fish, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus, dinner roll.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Blackened fish, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus, dinner roll.

Friday: Sack lunch — corn chowder, ham croissant, banana.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, dinner roll, chewy granola bar.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, coleslaw, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Evening meal — ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, dinner roll, dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, fries, baked beans.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chop suey, rice, Christmas salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit, Christmas cookies.

Thursday: Minestrone soup, egg salad on a croissant, fruit salad.

Friday: Philly cheesesteak casserole, carrots, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Wednesday and Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Sweet and sour pork over rice, Brussel sprouts, carrots, Mandarin oranges.

Tuesday: Meat lasagna, cook’s choice vegetable, corn, pears, whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Congregate birthday — pork roast, boiled potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, fruit cocktail, birthday cake.

Thursday: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, Scandinavian vegetable blend, whole wheat bread, tropical fruit.

Friday: Pea soup, egg salad over lettuce, whole wheat sandwich bread, cottage cheese, peaches.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken fettucine Alfredo, broccoli, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Pork chop, parsley potatoes, carrots, applesauce, wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Christmas dinner — ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, wheat dinner roll and apple pie.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, wheat bread.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan, whole wheat spaghetti with sauce, broccoli, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe on a bun, potato wedges, green beans, homemade cookies, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Wednesday: Deluxe chef salad, ham and Swiss slider, seasonal fruit, homemade cookies.

Thursday: Liver and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered carrots, side salad, seasonal fruit.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, peas, whole wheat bread with butter.

Wednesday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread.

Thursday: Holiday meal — ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, stuffing, cookies.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, fries, baked beans.