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Don’t Be a Victim of Holiday Stress!
The final week leading up to the winter holidays is supposed to be full of joy, love, celebration and excitement. However, those last days can also be extremely stressful, especially if you have multiple parties to attend, last-minute gifts, a house full of surprise guests or other unexpected surprises. The desperate frenzy of attending to everyone’s needs may leave little time for you to relax, and this can lead to stress-induced pain, insomnia and other symptoms.
Stress and the Holidays
Like any other time when you’re under stress, your body and mind will react. If you find yourself suffering any of the following symptoms, holiday-related stress may be the culprit.
- Tension or migraine headaches
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Mental or physical exhaustion
- Irritability, anxiety or sadness
- Impaired concentration
- Poor work performance
- Excessive food or alcohol consumption
- Unexplained pain in muscles or joints
- Muscle stiffness or spasm
- Frequent colds or other illnesses
Does Your Holiday Marathon Really Have a Finish Line?
When it comes to holiday chaos, some things will be out of your control, and worrying about them won’t change anything. Although it may be difficult to fight the internal drive to attend every party and fulfill every gift request, it’s important to realize that perfection is impossible. Instead of feeling defeated by the season’s demands, take action to combat holiday stress. Here are a few ways that you can achieve it.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, don’t be embarrassed. You’re not alone. Explain the situation to your loved ones. Delegate tasks to friends and family members. Ask for help. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to say no when you simply can’t fit anything else into your schedule. When you feel overwhelmed, spend some time alone. Watch a favorite movie in your pajamas. Light scented candles. Listen to music. Enjoy a hobby that relaxes you.
Schedule a home massage. Spoil yourself! Your tired, cramped muscles deserve special treatment during the holiday season. Overtime hours spent at a desk, long days of standing on your feet and muscle tension caused by emotional stress can result in burning, aching, stiffness and even limited mobility. When you have a professional massage in the comfort and privacy of your home, you’ll experience blissful pain relief and total relaxation.
Massage can help to end your insomnia, boost your immune system and alter your brain chemistry to provide direct relief from anxiety and depression. Don’t let the holidays get under your skin; enjoy the spirit of the season this year by taking care of yourself and the people you love. Offer them and yourself the Gift of Wellness for the Holidays.