5 Tips To Better Handle Holiday Stress

The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a whirlwind of joy, celebration, and... stress. As a parent and an American Fork UT chiropractor I'm probably all too familiar with the chaos that comes with this time of year. From school projects and concerts to sports schedules and holiday parties filled with sugar and food dye, not to mention those end-of-year work deadlines - it's enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed!

Did you know that according to a poll by the American Psychological Association, around 41% of U.S. adults report that their stress levels increase during the holiday season compared to other times of the year? This stress can manifest in various ways, such as headaches, sleep problems, fatigue, and even weakened immune systems, making it harder for families to fully enjoy the festive season.

But here's the good news: you have the power to ensure your family not only survives but thrives during this busy season. Let's explore five essential strategies that will help you prioritize your family's health and well-being, keeping stress at bay and resilience high.

Prioritize Your Family's Neurological Health

At the core of managing stress is a well-functioning nervous system! This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes into play. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce nervous system dysregulation, keeping you and your children calm and resilient in the face of holiday chaos.

As a parent, consider making chiropractic care a part of your family's routine to ensure you are optimizing your entire family's neurological health, enabling everyone to handle stress better.

Protect Your Family's Sleep Routine

We all know how cranky children (and adults!) can get when they're tired. During the holiday season, it's more important than ever to maintain consistent sleep schedules. A well-rested nervous system is better equipped to handle stress and support overall well-being.

Create a calm, sleep-friendly environment in your home. Establish a bedtime routine that includes winding down activities like reading a book together or practicing gentle stretches. By prioritizing sleep, you're supporting your family's nervous system and immune health. Here are some practical tips:

• Stick to regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even during school breaks.
• Create a "wind-down" hour before bedtime where screens are turned off, and calm activities are encouraged.
• Make bedrooms conducive to sleep: dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Consider using white noise machines or calming music to help drown out sound and promote sleep.

Stay Active and Spend Time Outdoors

Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and helps regulate the nervous system. Make time for regular exercise as a family. This could be as simple as taking morning walks together, doing a family yoga session, or playing outside.

Don't underestimate the power of fresh air and sunlight. Even in colder weather, spending time outdoors can do wonders for both physical and mental health. Bundle up and enjoy a winter nature walk, or build a snowman together!

Focus on Good Nutrition

The holidays are synonymous with treats, but a nutritious diet is key to managing stress and supporting your family's nervous system. While it's okay to enjoy some seasonal goodies, make sure to incorporate plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into your family's meals.

Stay hydrated and try to limit the indulgent treats. This will help keep everyone's energy levels stable and support your bodies in fending off seasonal illnesses.

Support Your Family's Immune System

Speaking of illnesses, the holiday season often brings increased exposure to germs. Boost your family's immunity with supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and probiotics. Combined with regular chiropractic care, these supplements can help your family stay resilient against increased stress and exposure to bugs during holiday gatherings.

Putting It All Together

Remember, as a parent, you have the power to set the tone for your family's health this holiday season. By incorporating these five tips into your family's routine, you can create a foundation for a stress-free, healthy holiday season filled with joy and meaningful moments with your loved ones.

Your family's health is the greatest gift you can give this holiday season. By prioritizing neurological health through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care and embracing these healthy habits, you're not just managing holiday stress - you're setting your family up for a lifetime of wellness. So don't wait to reach out to Platinum Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment for a consultation. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you.

Don't let stress steal your holiday joy. Take charge of your family's health today and create the happy, healthy holiday season you all deserve!