Reduce Your Stress This Holiday Season
By Rachel Shouse
The holidays can be a really difficult time whether it's due to grief, an overwhelmed schedule, or anxiety. Regardless of your situation, there are ways to help make it better. Learning what stress does to you, taking the time to plan, and looking into some alternative holiday ideas when you're quarantined are all excellent steps you can take to improve this year's holidays for you and your family.
What Stress Does to Your Body
Stress is a rather large chain reaction that your mind and body go through. Your brain is the starting point. You're probably familiar with the fight or flight response that everyone has. That reaction is caused by stress, a need for a reaction from your mind or body. Some stress causes a lot of mental systems while others can be physical.
If someone endures a prolonged period of stress they can develop something called distress. This distress sets your body off balance. You could experience symptoms ranging from a stomachache, headache, and/or elevated blood pressure.
The physical symptoms seem to be plenty in my opinion. If you suffer from mental illness, you may notice an uptick in your symptoms. Those who have depression may feel worse, those who have anxiety my feel more overwhelmed, etc. Even if you aren't diagnosed with mental illness, you could experience some symptoms. Stress is far too powerful.
Plan Your Holidays to Reduce Stress
Planning may not seem like the answer. You may have been looking for an answer like going to the spa, or getting a massage. In reality, while both of those are effective and wonderful, they don't solve the problem. Your stress will go away once the action or task is complete in a lot of situations.
If you take the time to think about what you have to accomplish over a certain period of time and plan out certain tasks each day, you'll know that you're going to get everything done. Just a personal suggestion, leave time for incidentals. Maybe a last minute boo-boo that needs your attention. Just empty time really.
Alternative Holiday Ideas
Some of you may be spending this holiday season alone. If you fall into this category, here are some tips that could really help you;
Plan different people you can call when you start to feel lonely or simply make a schedule so you know you're going to get some real interaction.
You could do some research and choose an app or service that includes video chat. This is free on most cell phone plans and the majority of phones made nowadays are capable.
If you're comfortable, get a Facebook or other social media account. This could help you keep in more consistent contact with those you love.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. George, Utah.