Don’t Let Holiday Stress Get the Best of You: 4 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Now that November is here, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. But if you’re like 41% of Americans, the upcoming season brings extra stress. 

This increased stress can make travel, spending time with loved ones, and other holiday activities challenging. Still, you can do more than cope. The right strategy can help keep anxiety and overwhelm at bay and allow you to make it through the season feeling calm and in control.

At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine, board-certified physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, and our team regularly counsel patients on holiday-related stress management. By the time you’re finished reading our top stress-relieving tips, you’ll have a strong foundation to help you navigate the sprint into the new year.

Your game plan for a calmer, healthier holiday season

There’s no way to fast-forward through the holidays, but you can take steps to prevent overwhelm. Here are four easy ways to set yourself up for success:

1. Don’t overbook your schedule

During the holidays, there’s a seemingly endless parade of parties, get-togethers, and other seasonal events. If you enjoy socializing, it can be tempting to fill your calendar, but overcommitting increases your risk of burnout and irritability. 

It’s important to carve out time each week for rest and relaxation. Remember that you don’t owe anyone anything — sometimes, the best thing you can do is say no. Pushing yourself to do everything all at once is a recipe for exhaustion. It can even weaken your immune system and increase your risk of getting sick.

2. Make time for exercise

With so much going on over the next few months, it’s easy to put exercise on the back burner. You may even tell yourself that you’ll get back to your workouts in January, once things aren’t so busy. 

Exercise isn’t just a nice-to-have. It supports your health in many ways, including reducing stress. In fact, research shows that adults who exercise regularly report more positive moods and better sleep. They’re also calmer and more resilient to stress.

Try to move your body for at least 30 minutes five days a week. A gym membership is a good motivator for many, but simply taking a walk with the family, dancing in the kitchen while you cook, or going on a bike ride to look at holiday decorations can be beneficial.

3. Eat mindfully

Holiday meals often feature decadent sides, sugary desserts, and alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Don’t feel as though you have to avoid your favorite seasonal treats, but do be mindful of how much and how often you consume them. 

For example, try balancing richer dishes with similarly sized portions of vegetables or whole grains. If you decide to have a glass of wine, follow it up with water before asking for a refill. Mindful choices like these can help keep your blood sugar stable, reducing the risk of fatigue, post-meal crashes, and mood swings.

4. Make time for connection and gratitude

Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress during the holidays is to spend time with loved ones. Sharing a laugh with friends or family can make challenging situations more enjoyable. It also encourages the release of endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, which can ease feelings of overwhelm and stress.

Finally, socializing lets you share your thoughts and feelings with others. This can be especially beneficial during the holidays, when many people feel like they have to put their best foot forward, even if they’re struggling.

We can help you manage stress during the holidays

Are you already feeling the effects of holiday stress, such as fatigue, depression, or poor sleep? If so, don’t wait to contact our caring team. After discussing your goals and symptoms, we can make personalized treatment recommendations to help you feel your best. 

To get started, walk in or call The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois.