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

Race Resume/Highlights

2004 Sandman Sprint 3rd Clydesdale(no swim)
2005 Breezy Point Sprint 1st Clydesdale
2005 Nissan Xterra East Champ 1st Clydesdale
2005 Diamondman Half 2nd Clydesdale 4:56
2006 Disney Half 4:47 qualified for 70.3 Champs
2006 Timberman Half 4:48 1st Clydesdale
2006 Sandman 1st M30-34
2006 Clearwater 70.3 4:36
2007 Sandman 5th overall
2007 Nation's Tri 2:01 5th elite
2008 White Lake Half 4:38
2009 White Lake Half 4:30 10th overall(led off bike into T2)
2010 RnR Arizona Marathon 3:13 qual for Boston
2010 Appalachian Power Sprint 1st overall
2010 Eagleman Half 4:56
2010 Breezy Point 4th overall(led off bike)
2010 Charlottesville Olympic 3rd overall
2010 Sandman 3rd overall(led off bike)
2010 Big Lick Olympic 4th overall(led off bike)
2010 Beach 2 Battleship Half 4:42 1st age group/8th overall
2011 Boston Marathon finisher
2011 Kinetic Half 4:35
2011 Ironman CDA 10:37
2011 Sandman 2nd overall(no swim)
2011 Austin 70.3 4:43... 10 half ironmans all under 5 hours
2012 Virginia Duathlon 2nd Age Group
2012 Rumpass in Bumpass Sprint triathlon 3rd Overall
2012 Kinetic Sprint triathlon 1st age group
2012 Breezy Point Sprint triathlon Overall 1st!!!
2012 Lifetime Fitness Minneapolis Olympic Triathlon 2:09
2012 Allen Stone Run Swim Run 3rd Overall (led swim)
2012 Sandman Triathlon Overall 1st!!! led race wire to wire