Holiday stress is inevitable! Decorating, shopping, cooking, additional events to attend, extra family time, and traveling can all trigger this. If not properly managed, stress can negatively impact the body from head to toe. To prevent this and keep you healthy we want to share with you 5 tips on how to “chill” during the holiday season and reduce your stress.

Tip 1: Be Realistic
Too many people have an idealized version of what the holidays should be like, instead of what they really are. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has an ideal, picture-perfect holiday. Set your expectations on what this holiday will look like at a reasonable level.

Tip 2: Ask for Help
Be truthful about what you have time and energy to take part of this holiday season. Do not offer to take on more than you can handle. Ask family member to bring food to gatherings or decide to let someone else host the event that is always at your house.

Tip 3: Volunteer
Take time to volunteer to help others in your community. There are so many organizations that need our help! The meaning behind the holidays are often lost and this is a great reminder about what this time should be about. By giving your time or talent to serve others, this will allow you to see how fortunate you are and be thankful for the many blessings in your life.

Tip 4: Don’t Let Go of Healthy Habits
Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress.

Try these suggestions:
• Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you do not go overboard on sweets, cheese, or drinks.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Do not be afraid to say no to extra obligations.
• Plan and set your priorities.
• Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.
• Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use.
• Keep up with your regular chiropractic adjustments to help the spine restore function to your body.
•

Tip 5: Put Yourself on the List

Remember to take time for yourself. Try an activity like yoga, which reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring inner calm. Spending time alone doing things you enjoy doing may refresh you enough to tackle the rest of the things on your list.

Do not let the holidays become a source of anxiety. Instead, perform these tips to prevent
elevated stress during the holidays and Move Forward towards a peaceful and joyful holiday season.