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The Emotional Toolkit Monthly
Practical Strategies to Boost Your Happiness, Health & Longevity
December 2008
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In This Issue:
-- How to Have a Happy Holiday in a Down Economy
-- Tip of the Month
-- In the News

How to Have a Happy Holiday in a Down Economy
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 As people feel the financial pinch of a down economy, thoughts of holiday festivities may feel like a mixed bag. Sure, you want to enjoy the season, but you're cutting back this year, right? So how can you celebrate without gifts-O-plenty?

Rather than feel guilty that you won't be buying your child an Xbox 360 or surprising your mate with a special extravagance, step back and look for the deeper meaning of your celebration.

One meaning is that building a happy life has less to do with material goods and more to do with your relationships. Yes, you've probably heard this before, I know, but science shows that relationships are a key to happiness, regardless of your income.

In one study psychologist Ed Diener found that homeless people in Calcutta are happier than the homeless in America because they have a stronger circle of caring people in their lives, and that soothes the emotional strains of poverty.

This holiday season ask yourself: How can I strengthen my relationships and celebrate without overspending? Look below for a few tips.


Tip of the Month
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How to Enjoy the Holidays in a Down Economy:

  1. Write a personal letter to family members telling them why you love them or thanking them for what they've given you.
  2. Give a framed photo of you with the people you care about most.
  3. Have a potluck dinner with family and friends.
  4. Share a gift exchange with presents of $10 or less.
  5. Make homemade gift certificates redeemable for a special lunch together.

In the News
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Listen to Darlene's on-air segments that teach women simple ways to boost their happiness on XM Radio's Pink Channel. For more info, visit PinkChannel Radio.com.


Your Happiest Life Blog

Check out Darlene's blog, "Your Happiest Life". The blog features articles, musings and links to live your happiest, healthiest life. http://yourhappiestlife.blogspot.com.



About Dr. Darlene Mininni
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Dr. Darlene Mininni is the author of The Emotional Toolkit, contributing feature host of "Here's What's In My Emotional Toolkit" on XM Radio's Pink Channel, and creator of UCLA's acclaimed emotional education course. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Public Health. Through her keynotes, writing and one-day workshops, Dr. Mininni teaches people of all ages practical strategies to boost their happiness, health and longevity. Woman's World Magazine describes her emotional toolkit as "Cutting-edge advice...that really works." She's appeared on CNN, NPR and PBS and been quoted in SELF, COSMO, Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Ladies Home Journal and Prevention.



Darlene Mininni, Ph.D., M.P.H.
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