Right now you’re probably almost at the peak of your holiday stress. Even as you’re reading this post, your mind may be spinning with the list of things that need to be done before your family members arrive tomorrow morning – or before you pack up the kids in the car and head out for a long road trip.
Whether you’re traveling to visit loved ones or you’re preparing for them to visit you, the list of tasks and chores can seem overwhelming.
From frantic travel schedules, to baking, decorating, meal planning, grocery shopping and cleaning, the holiday season often turns our reasonable schedules into an unreasonable nightmare.
When is Holiday Stress Affecting Your Health?
Stress is “the body’s reaction to a change that requires an adjustment or response.”
Your body may respond physically, mentally and/or emotionally.”
Stress is most distractive when you face continuous challenges without relief. When this happens, physical and emotional tension builds and it begins to take a toll on your body.
In fact, 75% of doctor visits are for stress-related issues.
High stress levels can cause headaches, stiff neck, poor sleep, weight gain and can even weaken your immune system.
Learn More: 10 Reasons Why Stress is More Dangerous Than You Think
7 Simple Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress
1. Let. it. Go.
Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and unfortunately, Murphy can and will visit you at some point during the holiday season – whether it’s a Pinterest fail, a gift that arrives too late, a gingerbread house that won’t stick together (no matter HOW much frosting you put on it) or flights that are delayed, rerouted or even cancelled.
The key is to keep in mind the reason for the season and come together as a family or with friends to celebrate (no matter what happens.)
2. Just Say No
During the holiday season, it seems that every group (and subgroup) wants to plan a holiday party. It may be impossible (and unhealthy) to attend everything you’re invited to. Remember, that’s okay!
Don’t feel guilty for not making it to every party. Respectfully decline, and relax. Everyone understands.
3. Drink, Drink, Drink (Water, that is.)
Holiday parties always offer an array of beautiful Christmas treats that can slowly expand your waistline.
Did you know that around the holidays, Kansas City adults gain about one pound of body weight on average according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine?
That extra weight can have a big impact on your bones and lead to another set of health problems.
If you drink a big glass of water before the party, you’re less likely to indulge in too many sweets.
In addition, the foods we eat during the holiday season often contain lots of sodium – causing dehydration! Keep your weight in check by staying well hydrated.
4. Plan
With a little planning you can reduce holiday stress by breaking down your large tasks into smaller action items that are easier to complete. The phycological benefits of completing these smaller action items will give you the motivation you need to complete the your goal.
Make a plan, prioritize and work it!
5. Delegate
Give your spouse or children a few jobs. Remember, if you’re letting go of perfection, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Look at your list, and see which tasks you can delegate.
6. Go for a Walk
Kansas City boasts some of the most beautiful walking and hiking trails in the state. Plan some “down time” and head out to one of our local parks for a brisk walk. This can relieve stress, help with back pain and provide you with just the holiday stress relief you need.
7. Ditch the Technology (at least for an hour or two)
Constant buzzing and dinging and relentless alerts just add to holiday stress. Even when we get a free moment, we’re often looking down at our phone scrolling through Facebook or checking our Twitter feed.
This hunched posture is one of the leading causes of headaches and neck pain.
Take back control and just turn off your phone once and awhile. This simple action can provide you with the mental and emotional clarity to work through your list more efficiently (without distractions) and the physical relief your head and neck need.
Fulk Chiropractic is the leading Olathe Chiropractor and largest chiropractic clinic in the Kansas City area. Open 7 Days a Week, their 12 chiropractors offer back pain relief, neck pain treatment and headache relief through results driven chiropractic treatment.
They are open from 7:30am-12:00pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and all throughout the holiday season (only closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day).
Give them at call at 912-764-6237 or schedule an appointment online.