Keeping yourself stress free would be ideal during the holiday seasons but we have to agree that it is impossible. Especially if you have chronic conditions, stress can exacerbate pain. However, reducing your stress is possible!
According to Marissa Luck, a former editor chironexus.net and content director at chirohosting.com, here are five ways to combat stress:
1. Set priorities Not everything during this holiday season requires your time and effort. Take a moment to think about the most important holiday activities to participate in.
2. Take time for yourself This is something you can strive for year round, not just during the holidays. But it is worth mentioning because after thinking of everyone else, we tend to forget ourselves during this time of year. Take lots of breaks. Take time out to relax or do something you enjoy. Self care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself mentally and physically.
3. Exercise Exercising has been proven to help ease stress, lessen pain in some illnesses and disabilities. See your chiropractor to find out which exercises would be personally good for you!
4. Nutrition Holiday foods are tempting. Moderation, like anything else, is going to be key. Making sure that your holiday meals are balanced and indulging in a sweet treat or two will go a long way into your health and happiness. The take away here is making sure you’re getting adequate levels of vitamin C and Omega 3 fatty acids that will help your body’s response to stress. You’re more than welcome to ask your chiropractor about any kind of nutrition advice this holiday season.
5. Chiropractic Adjustments Make room in your schedule for a quick adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments have been known to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone known to cause inflammation and irritation.
Studies have shown that after receiving adjustments people tend to feel less neck and back pain as well as the lower stress levels leading into improved quality of life. A positive effect of the body’s response to adjustments is improvements in the immune system, which stress can depress. This could potentially help your body combat the incoming colds that this holiday season loves to gift us. 🙂
But the best gift of all is your health!
