It's the most ‘stressful’ time of the year!

Christmas can be a significant source of stress. Most of us are aware of the adverse effects that stress can have on our body. It can impact our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity if left unchecked.

In fact, research has shown that there is an increase in the occurrence of heart attacks and heart-related deaths during the festive season, which may be due to stress, heavy alcohol consumption, a fatty diet, or all three. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that holiday stress is dealt with. With all this in mind, I have put together a little Christmas list of my own to help you through the holiday season;

1. Don’t overdo it

I am talking about to all those business and family parties that seem to run from one straight in to another. Make sure you keep hydrated and throughout the day drink as much water as you can, I recommend starting with 2 litres per day. Another good plan to put in place, is drinking a glass of water in-between those Christmas beverages (if you can!).

2. Try keeping to your regular exercise programme

The shock of this different pace for your body is enough to throw you out of kilter, but then allowing your exercise programme to fall by the wayside on top of this, is double trouble! It might feel like ‘too much hard work’ but your body, mind and soul will thank you for it after. A fit healthy you is a great gift, let that be your present to yourself this Christmas.

3. Get regular adjustments

This is not a pitch to increase your chiropractic care... Over my years in practice I have learnt just how effective an adjustment can be in the holiday season. Many people spend more time in cars, trains and plains. This again, is something the body is not used to and can lead to areas tightening up. Add in additional stress like traffic jams, delayed flights, bad weather and let's face it, screaming children and you find that your body suddenly isn't feeling as great was it was! This combination creates the ‘perfect storm’ for your body to malfunction in ways you did not think possible.

4. Have lots of fun

It is not all ‘bar humbug’ at this festive time of year. Christmas is, after all, a time for the family to get together, giving and most of all laughing. Let your hair down, allow yourself to let go of any stress and put aside the to do list. This has a remarkable effect on your body allowing it to relax and recover.

In summary finding positive, healthy ways to manage stress could reduce many of the related adverse health consequences. Find the right stress-busting techniques that work best for you so that you can have a stress-free Christmas.

Just try and follow some of these helpful tips, even if it is just one, and have a very Merry Christmas from me and all of us here at Chiro.London.