Holiday Anxiety: How to Manage It
By Virginia Laird
Anxiety is a an issue many struggle with, especially throughout the holidays. For some, anxiety builds with the thought of being surrounded by family who may be more than can be handled. Others may experience anxiety as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season simply takes over their routine. While there are a variety of reasons for having these feelings take over your mind and body, health and wellness experts suggest there are ways to overcome these emotions. A few tips suggested by these experts include:
- Make time to exercise often
- Get plenty of sleep
- Don't wait until the last minute to do your shopping
Make Time to Exercise Often
Research suggests that exercise is an excellent way to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. When you participate in exercise the body produces hormones which promote happiness. Another perk of exercise is the brain's ability to get lost (if only for a moment) in the actual workout. Health and wellness experts recommend as little as three to four workouts each week can be enough to help rid the body of anxiety. If you are one who prefers to skip the gym, a walk or jog through your neighborhood will get the job done.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Experts suggest there is a link between anxiety and sleep. Those who get enough sleep have less issues with anxiety. While sleep alone cannot completely eliminate feelings of stress, it can help promote good mental health. Health and wellness experts suggest that the average adult should try to get at least 6 hours of sleep each night. However, there are plenty who require much more than this. Knowing how much sleep you need to properly function and making it a priority can be key to defeating holiday anxiety.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Do Your Shopping
Millions find themselves guilty of waiting until the last minute to begin hunting for the perfect gift for those they love. This can be the source a anxiety. The stress of finding just the right gift is enough, but to add the stress of doing so with just a couple of days (or for some, hours) can be enough to put you over the edge. Health and wellness experts advise that it is better to shop a little as the holidays approach. Finding one or two gifts each week can reduce your stress and spread out the financial burden. Now is the time to begin your holiday shopping.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Costa Mesa, Calif.