♩♬ It’s the most wonderful time of the year. ♫♪
Of course, the holidays can also be the most stressful time of the year. Between decorating, cooking, shopping, and wrapping, we spread ourselves much too thin and leave little time to get it all done, let alone take a little time to relax. By the time the big day rolls around, we’re a big bundle of frayed nerves and can’t enjoy the time we worked so hard for. With a little order and strategy, however, you can reduce your stress and enjoy a peaceful holiday season.
- Plan ahead. If you plan everything ahead of time (and write it down), you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the holidays.
- Get out in the sun. Vitamin D is a great mood enhancer.
- Walk. Try to get in several walks each week. Walking reduces stress and helps you sleep better.
- Do less. During the holidays, we pile on things to do. You don’t have to have everything perfect. You can buy dessert from a bakery. Your house doesn’t have to be spotless. You can say no to people. The best part about the holidays is the time we get to spend with our loved ones, not whether or not you got the decorations just right.
- Laugh. Take time to watch a funny movie, go see a comedian, or hang out with your funniest friend. Laughter releases endorphins which are good brain chemicals that make us feel good. It truly is the best medicine.
- Ask for help. Make a holiday gathering potluck, get the kids in on the gift-wrapping, hire a sitter while you’re home so you can get things done.
- Take breaks from tech. Shut off the phones and computer. Do you know that every time you hear your phone ding when you receive a text, you get a small rush of adrenaline? This constant rush is exhausting. Give up the tech and relax.
- Eat a healthy breakfast every day. If you’re just having coffee in the morning, it may perk you up a bit but it can lead to a crash later and irritability which only adds to your stress.
- Get a massage. Or two!
- Have a spot of hot tea. Decaf teas like chamomile, lavender, or St. John’s Wort are excellent stress-relievers
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep. You may feel like you have a lot of tasks to do but you shouldn’t miss sleep to do them. Cut out something else instead.
- Shop as early as possible. You’ll avoid the crowds and are less apt to make rushed decisions that will cost you more money which adds even more stress.
- Start saving money early. If possible, start saving for Christmas at the beginning of the year. Overspending is a huge stressor. If you can pay for all of your gifts with cash instead of putting them on a card, especially if it’s cash you have reserved for that reason, you’ll be much more relaxed.
- Don’t neglect your health. Don’t put off any wellness appointments that you may have scheduled during the holidays. You don’t want any health issues to get in the way of your holiday cheer.
North County Pain Relief believes good health is everything. Misalignments in your spine can lead to many problems but one that you may find surprising is the effect that misalignments and subluxations can have on your immune system. Chiropractic adjustments remove disruptions in the nervous system and when the nervous system is functioning optimally, your immune system also functions at its best.
And because the holidays coincide with cold and flu season, it’s vital that you do everything you can to keep your immune system going strong. At North County Pain Relief, we offer various ways to improve your health that not only include chiropractic care but also other therapies such as relaxing warm hydro massage and chiropractic massage. Call us today at (314) 731-4201and see how we can help improve your overall health and reduce your stress.
