The holiday season is marked with shopping, baking, cooking, entertaining and more, but these ways of spreading joy can be stress-inducing. Many are still feeling the stresses of the pandemic on top of regular holiday season demands, but following these tips will help you minimize stress and truly enjoy this time of year.
Health Ways to Prevent Holiday Stress
Stopping stress before it begins is the key to getting through the next few months. It is more challenging to stop and regroup once stress strikes, so take these preventative measures to protect your mental health.
Be honest with your feelings. Holidays are “supposed” to be about cheer and joy, but if you aren’t feeling it this year, that’s ok. Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to express them instead of forcing yourself to be happy simply because of the time of year.
Seek support. Depending on your needs, support can take the form of talking with friends, attending social groups in your community, going to religious services or finding companionship through virtual or in-person support groups. Volunteering your time can be a good way to find support through camaraderie with others.
Set realistic expectations. In a perfect world, the ground would always be blanketed with snow at Christmas, the Thanksgiving turkey would always be moist and every tradition you love would go off without a hitch. But the world isn’t perfect, and your expectations shouldn’t be either. Give yourself a break by setting realistic expectations, focusing on what’s most important and being flexible to road bumps or changes in plans.
Maintain healthy habits. Overindulgence can lead to more guilt and stress during the holiday season. Stay true to your healthy habits by munching on healthy snacks, getting plenty of rest, taking time for yourself, incorporating regular physical activity into your days and keeping your regular chiropractor appointments here at Forgey. We offer same-day appointments are are available six days a week for your convenience. Making time for both your physical and mental health will make reducing and coping with stress easier, and following these tips can help you find joy and peace throughout the holiday season.
