Meditation: What to Do When You're Too Tired to Do a Thing

Whew. Suddenly it's 2012. How did that happen? And why do you feel limper than leftover ribbon? So tired. Okay, maybe you stayed up too late a couple of nights (the easy-to-assemble bike wasn't so easy, the open house next door never closed). Still, it wasn't a total marathon.

We YOU Docs know the feeling. It's called multi-multitasking. During the holidays, not only are you juggling the usual load (and "the usual" seems to increase 10% every year), but burnout's around every corner. You're trying to squeeze in 100 extra things, look your best, be charming, and make more appearances than Ryan Seacrest. Find out why you're likely more stressed out now than ever before.

It reminds us of the study a few years ago that measured the effect of endless e-mails and phone calls on your brain: Your IQ falls by 10 points. We feel like ours falls by 20! Nonstop stimulation doesn't make you quicker and smarter. It makes you slower and dumber, like losing a night's sleep does. Your kids pick up on the tension, too.

You know how much we YOU Docs talk about using meditation to dial down life's craziness and boost brain power? Start by restoring your inner tranquility. Go on, try it. You just might regain all 10 points -- or more.

• Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted for 10 minutes (the throne room in a pinch).
• Close your eyes and shut out the world.
• Pick a simple word (e.g., om, one, or Hawaii) and slowly repeat it while deeply breathing in and out.
• When stray thoughts crop up (they will), refocus on your rhythmic breathing.

Say ahhhh (our fave bad doctor joke!).

Here's another way to restore your sense of balance, contentment, and calm.