It’s the holiday season filled with joy and laughter, family and friends and unfortunately for many two unwelcome guests known as “stress” and “anxiety.” In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly half of all women in the United States experience heightened stress during the holidays, which can put their health at risk.
Between the dizzying array of demands including parties, shopping, entertaining, baking and cleaning it’s easy to see how the holidays can become not so merry and bright. When your stress is at its highest, use these tips to help you stop and regroup.
Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress
- Get Moving. When you’re running around doing holiday errands or traveling to meet family, it’s easy to let your exercise routine slip. But what many people don’t realize is that exercise can help elevate your mood and help you cope with stress. It doesn’t take much to maintain a calm mental state. Carve out 30 minutes of activity three times a week. It could be as simple as taking a walk after your large Thanksgiving meal rather than sitting on the couch watching holiday movies or football.
- Keep it Simple. Something about the holidays makes us think we can take on more than we can handle. You don’t have to say “no” to everything but make sure you’re setting realistic expectations for yourself. If you’re welcoming out-of-town guests or hosting family, delegate tasks to them. They’ll be more than happy to help and it can actually make them feel included.
- Take Time for Yourself. To help maintain your sanity, make some time for yourself. Setting aside just 15 minutes to do breathing exercises or to listen to calming music can make a world of difference as you juggle family and social obligations.
- Stretch. When we’re stressed our muscles tense up, which can cause pain and tightness. Stretching helps alleviate that stress. The slow, calculated movement of stretching is calming to the mind and relieves tension. At Reach, our Relax session is designed to use movement to relieve muscle tension and help you overcome mental or physical stress
Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and possible depression that can descend during the holidays. Our membership-based, spa-like locations offer a complimentary first session; private stretching rooms; personalized therapies utilizing technology and performance; plus, perks such as advanced hydration, hot towel treatments and neck stretches. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays. Call to schedule your appointment at one of our locations or book an appointment online here.
