Image via Wikipedia

I sincerely hope by now that all your shopping is complete! If not, good luck and remember to address your stress! Holidays can be stressful and especially if you still have things to do to prepare. If you need to reduce your stress level, I recommend trying some diaphragmatic breathing techniques or refer to our blog article on memory breathing.  If you want to try the deep diaphragmatic breathing, simply find a quiet place to relax-sometimes that’s the biggest challenge!  I understand, I have 3 kids and a fluffy child (miniature poodle). Anyway, inhale through your mouth while expanding your diaphragm. Hold the breath a few seconds-try for at least 5, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. This is designed to help relieve stress and help you relax. Isn’t that what we all need at this time of year?

Now that you’re relaxed are you ready to exercise your brain? I have my cup of green tea so yourself  grab a cup of green tea, coffee,  or hot cocoa with some spiced or plain walnuts, almonds,  dark chocolate, dark chocolate covered almonds-yummy, apple slices with cinnamon, strawberries, or blueberries and let’s workout. Let’s try more anagrams with a holiday theme. Remember, anagrams are a great brain exercise and they target problem solving skills, reasoning skills, thought organization, thought flexibility, judgment, and executive function skills. Anagrams are fun for everyone-teens, baby boomers, seniors. Anagrams are a fun brain building anti-aging activity to boost those brain cells, help form new neural pathways, and build your cognitive reserve. Try these anagrams as a family activity or part of a family game night, compete against friends or office buddies and see who can find the most.  Enjoy, laugh, have fun-it’s good for all of us! Did you know that a  healthy heart helps us maintain a healthy mind and brain? Amazing, isn’t it?

Here are your anagrams. How many new words can be formed? Share your lists with us and let’s see who can generate the most words!

CUPCAKES

CINNAMON

MISTLETOE

GARLAND

ICICLES

DECORATIONS

CHIMNEYS

CAROLING

FEASTING

LIGHTING

DECORATE