HEADLINE: 7 Tips for Managing
Holiday Stress
The holiday season is here!
It’s the time to sit and reflect upon the past year, celebrate with
family and friends, and appreciate life with good food and drink. But with the
excitement and happiness come the responsibilities of finding the perfect
gifts, wrapping presents, dinner plans, family discussions, traffic and long
lines. These all add up to stress and, if not handled well, could impact your
health and your enjoyment of the holidays.
Take these steps to manage your
stress:
1.
Plan
early. Get a head start on your shopping and your holiday cards. Make lists
and know what you need. Purchase gifts online, so you can avoid the crowds.
2.
Take some
time to breathe. Stress builds up when you are constantly on the go. Make
sure you take time for yourself. For just 10 minutes in the morning or 10
minutes at night, try to breathe deeply, meditate or have some quiet time to
release the built-up stress in your body.
3.
Enjoy tasty
treats in moderation and don’t skimp on workouts. Many of us gain weight
during the holidays, but we can stave off the extra pounds by enjoying delicious
foods and drinks in moderation. Also, consider taking digestive enzymes to help
you digest rich foods. Along with the food, balance your intake with calories
expended. Exercise is a great way to stay in shape through the season and to
relieve stress. Shoot for 30 minutes of exercise a day. And, no, shopping
doesn’t count as a workout!
4.
Be there
for others. If you know individuals who have a hard time during the
holidays, reach out to them and let them know they are loved. Many people
struggle this time of year with sadness and depression. We are all connected
and should be there for each other.
5.
Don’t
over commit. Too many gatherings can overwhelm and leave no time for
anything else. Having a packed schedule is
a big holiday stressor. Prioritize your commitments and learn to say, “No,
thanks.”
6.
Be
grateful. Appreciate the relationships in your life – family, friends, co-workers,
etc. Be grateful for your loving relationships and that you have wonderful
people to share these times with. Make memories. Isn’t that what it’s all
about?
7.
Get Adjusted!
Stress builds up emotionally, chemically and physically in your body. Chiropractic
care releases the pressure that interferes with your nervous system, allowing
your body to handle stress easier.
Just a few easy changes can make all the difference and lead to a more
enjoyable holiday season.
Cheers!
