Holiday Stress & Your Spine

The holiday season means something different to almost everybody, but there is one thing that these

winter months bring all of us: a hearty helping of stress and anxiety. Sure, there will be joy and

celebrations and other moments with loved ones, but there is plenty of anxiety that goes along with

planning and travel and sometimes even just dealing with your family members. All of that stress can

take a significant toll on your overall health.

Stress and tension will often manifest physically, and that can lead to some pain and discomfort. That

pain will often arise in the form of back or spinal pain, but there are ways to alleviate it. Having a

properly aligned spine during all of the holiday hustle and bustle can help prevent some of those aches

and pains from stress, and here are some more tips on handling holiday stress.

Realign & Relax

When your chiropractor adjusts your spine, it’s not only to relieve back pain. This can also help reduce

stress as tension is released in the nervous system. This promotes relaxation and a better overall sense

of well-being. Regular adjustments over the holiday months can keep your spine aligned and your

nervous system running optimally – even during the most stressful times.

Simply setting aside a moment to relax and take a deep breath can go a long way in helping reduce

stress. Chiropractors can give you some breathing exercises that will promote better oxygen flow to

your muscles, helping you unwind more easily. These exercises can be practiced at home, allowing you

to manage your stress on a daily basis.

Get Proper Nutrition & Stay Active

A well-balanced diet is an important part in managing stress. Along with helping the nervous system,

your chiropractor can give you some nutritional guidance that’s tailored to your specific needs. This

ensures that your body is receiving all of the proper nutrients to cope with the holiday stress. This will

also support your overall health – and the health of your spine

Regular physical activity is also a natural stress reliever. If you’re not into Colorado’s winter sports scene,

getting out and getting regular exercise might be more difficult once the weather gets colder. However,

chiropractors can recommend exercises that will strengthen your core and support your spine. The

activity doesn’t have to be hyper-intense. Going for walks, performing simple stretching exercises, and

taking part in yoga can hall significantly impact your level of stress.

The holidays are stressful enough, and there’s no getting away from some of those stressors. But you

shouldn’t let that stress take a toll on your spine. Incorporating techniques to relieve stress will help you

enjoy the holiday season. Between the cold weather, all the unhealthy (yet delicious) food, and the

anxiety that surrounds the holidays, it’s important to take a proactive approach to managing that stress.

For more information on how your chiropractor can help you manage holiday stress, reach out to Dr.

Morgan Sheridan at Foundation Chiropractic today.