Holiday stress? What to do?

Holidays are a tough time of year for most folks, as they try to live up to the commercial/corporate expectations that are so kindly bestowed upon them via assorted media. There is enormous pressure to light up your house so the neighborhood "garden club" approves, to give your kid or significant other a societally acknowledged proper gift. Depending on your role in the family, creating an amazing meal for everyone to enjoy, or vice versa, to stuff yourself to the gills in order to show satisfaction with the prepared meal. I admit that I like all of the not so meaningful stuff that occurs around Christmas and other holiday events. All the stuff reminds me that it is time to rejoice and give thanks, and time to get together with loved ones.

The typical results of holiday stress include weight gain, illness, and depression. People stop doing the normal things that keep them healthy and sane. Exercise routines are forgotten, normal dietary habits fly out the window, and sleep is neglected. Bodies eventually revolt when they are not cared for properly. It is very difficult to keep folks on target with their diets during the holiday season so I attempt to go for two out of three: exercise and sleep. This is not to say that one must keep up their normal workout routine. I try to be realistic and recommend thirty(or more) minutes of moderate exercise at least three(or more) days a week during the holiday season. Moderate exercise is anything that causes you to breathe a little harder than normal, and perhaps break a light sweat midway through. This moderate level and amount of exercise will be very helpful in getting adequate amounts of quality sleep. Exercise and sleep are both very useful in dealing with stress and in the maintenance of our immune system.

For those whose bodies have revolted, it is time to be adjusted by your chiropractor. The chiropractic adjustment is a wonderful tool for stress reduction and for the promotion of healing. When your nervous system operates optimally, your body can most effectively reach its health potential. All your systems, including immune, operate more optimally. Getting adjusted and staying well adjusted is a great way to bring in the New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Dr. Russell