The holiday season is here, and that means shopping, parties, family get-togethers, and for many people, extra stress.
Between home, work and social obligations, many people feel stressed for much of the year, let alone around the holidays. The busy holiday season can ramp up your stress levels even further.
At Advanced Health & Performance Institute in Orlando and Winter Park, we offer neurofeedback and other training to relieve common stress that most people feel. And we can help those with more serious stress conditions, such as post- traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.
To learn more about our programs and training, or to schedule an appointment, contact Advanced Health & Performance Institute today.
In the meantime, here are some tips to reduce holiday stress and remain physically healthy during the holidays from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians:
- Keep your immune system strong to prevent getting sick. Being ill during the holidays can add to holiday stress as you fall behind on pre-holiday tasks and preparations.
- Get a good night’s sleep: Lack of proper sleep can cause drowsiness, irritability and difficulty with concentration. Try to relax and wind down before bed.
- Avoid eating or drinking in excess before bedtime. Eat supper early and have some fruit for dessert, rather than sugar-filled goodies.
- Rather than having coffee after dinner, try herbal tea, which can help relax you and prepare you for sleep.
- Create a calming environment to help you sleep. Keep your bedroom dark, comfortable and quiet.
- Try listening to some mellow music before bed.
- Enjoy a warm bath. Add some chamomile, lavender oil or Epsom salts.
- Try meditating or some yoga each day. Both help ease stress.
Stress can also lead to illness, so try these tips to keep colds from ruining your holiday season:
- With handshakes, kisses and other social contact at most holiday parties, remember to wash your hands as often as you can.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose if you can. These are prime entry points for viruses.
- Boost your nutrition by eating fresh fruits and veggies.
- Don’t eat too many sweets.
- Don’t drink alcohol to excess.
- Remind yourself to take your multivitamins and mineral supplements. These help promote good nutrition.
- Exercise every day, if you can. Even a half hour per day of moderate exercise helps boost your immune system.
- Avoid excess or high-intensity workouts if you are not accustomed to such training. Your body could read this as extra stress.
- Consider using supplements that boost your immune system. (Think probiotics and vitamin D.)
If you follow these suggestions, you will improve your chances of helping your immune system and in turn, reducing your holiday stress. Don’t let stress take over your life or ruin your holidays. Keep the true meaning of the season in mind. And take a deep breath! It’s almost 2015!
Meanwhile, all of us at Advanced Health & Performance Institute hope you and your family have an enjoyable and stress-free holiday season!