Although it’s only October in Englewood, NJ, holiday cards and decorations are appearing. The holidays will indeed be upon us as soon as Halloween is swept out. And, like every holiday season, as peppermint hot chocolate and fuzzy sweaters fill the shelves, stress will slowly creep in and fill our bodies.
While family, friends, parties, and gift-giving are filled with such joy, they can also cause added stress. Old resentments, pressures, social anxiety, and tight finances can all become overwhelming during the holidays.
So how can we protect our wellness during such fraught times? And how can we incorporate bodywork and acupuncture to ensure that our holidays are rejuvenating rather than draining?
First, we can identify the symptoms of holiday stress and how they manifest in our bodies. Then, once we have identified these stressors, we can take active steps to manage those triggers and practice self-care to protect ourselves from their harm.
Here are five common stressors that I often see in my Englewood, NJ, acupuncture practice during the holidays and steps we can take to resolve them:
We tend to scramble to finish projects and meet deadlines to clear the board before the new year. While this frantic pace will set us on course for a fresh start in January, what is it doing to our health today? Discuss prioritizing your workload with management to determine whether all of your projects must be resolved in December.
2. Decreased exercise
Between the weather in Englewood turning, the parties, the booze, and the holiday, it’s easy for a good exercise routine to slip. Make an effort to move every day, even when it’s tough. Try an online yoga class or stretch session - you might discover a whole new way of looking at exercise!
3. Dehydration
Our bodies run on water, but once we hit that spiced wine, all bets are off! Winter months can be particularly dehydrating, so make an extra effort to carry and drink water conscientiously. Flavored sparkling water drinks are an excellent way to get your sips in while staying in the festive spirit, and fresh fruits and vegetables are always great for maintaining healthy hydration.
4. Poor diet
A holiday diet is a treat until too much of a good thing turns bad. Rich, heavy foods contribute to indigestion, constipation, feelings of sluggishness, and exhaustion. Treat your tummy with care, chew slowly, and practice mindfulness and gratitude as you eat through December! Your gut will thank you.
5. Travel
The holiday travel season is always stressful, whether you’re traveling down the road or across the world. Delays, crowds, and worries about health are waiting for all of us this holiday season. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and, whenever possible, carve out some time to recharge once you arrive.
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system to relieve the physical symptoms of stress. While you can work toward calming the root stressors, my acupuncture practice in Englewood, NJ, can soothe your symptoms, including the resolution of
Ideally, we would approach the holidays with excitement and rest in mind. Until that becomes a reality, you can come for acupuncture in Englewood, NJ, for symptom relief, a glass of water, and a little slice of relaxation.
Acupuncture is effective, painless, and safe for the whole family. Who knows, this may be the start of a new holiday tradition. Contact me today at Amala Healing Arts to set up your holiday appointment.
