Why is it that one of the most magical times of the year tends to be the most stressful? A lot goes into the travel planning, cooking, entertaining guests, present buying, etc, and we know how this can take a toll on your overall health. If you’re looking for stress management tools, it probably means you’re ready for a little extra support to keep you and your family healthy this season. Our healthcare team at Your Family Medical is here to help! We have put together 5 simple ways you can manage stress and stay healthy this year to keep the holidays happy. Let’s get into it!
Why Do the Holidays Feel So Overwhelming?
We probably don’t have to explain to you exactly why the holidays can feel so overwhelming, but when you list it out, it becomes quite obvious how the stress can pile up fast:
- Multiple holiday parties and family gatherings
- Travel that interrupts your normal routine
- Excessive amounts of unhealthy meals
- Lack of sleep
- Money worries or family tension
All of this can raise your blood pressure, cause headaches, and leave you feeling “blah.” We know you can’t control everything, but you can control or change some of the choices you make during this time to stay healthy.
5 Ways to Stay Healthy (Mentally and Physically)
- Setting Up Your Schedule Strategically
- You don’t want to have something going on every single weekend or day of the week. Make sure to leave blank space on your calendar on purpose to give yourself and your family time to reset before the next social event.
- It’s okay to say no! You don’t have to RSVP yes to everything you get invited to. If it’s going to be too much for your social battery to handle and you truly do not want to attend, then just say no.
- If you do have more than one event or gathering in a day, then make it a point to give yourself some time inbetween them to take a break.
- Be Nice to Your Body
- The last thing you want to think about is working out during the holidays, but at least try to get in a short walk every day to stay moving.
- Eat something with protein before going to parties in case you are tempted to go overboard with the dessert table.
- Hydrate! Drink water before and between holiday beverages.
- Sleep Is a Must
- If possible, try to keep stay consistent with when you go to bed and when you wake up.
- Stay off the screens (as tempting as it is). Dim screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Try out a “wind-down” routine to help you go to sleep. Ex. hot shower, light stretching, reading, or prayer/meditation.
- Check In With Your Family
- Ask, “What’s one thing we can drop from the list this week?” It may not be anything but it’s worth a conversation!
- Let your kids help pick which traditions matter most to them. If there’s something you can take off your plate, why not?
- Be honest if you’re tired or overwhelmed, instead of pushing through silently.
- Call Your Family Medical If You are Noticing…
- More frequent headaches or migraines that do not seem to go away.
- Increase in blood pressure.
- Blood sugar spikes.
- Persistent sadness and mood swings.
- Sleep that never feels restful.
Doctors Accepting New Patients in Benbrook, Bedford & Flower Mound, TX
This Christmas season, make your health a priority. At Your Family Medical, we can help you keep an eye on everyday aches and pains to long-term conditions and preventive care for every age. If it’s been a while since your last visit, consider this your sign to schedule an appointment so you can head into the new year feeling like the best version of yourself. We look forward to caring for you!
Bedford, TX:1305 Airport Fwy #302A Bedford, TX, 76021. P: 817-283-6995
Benbrook, TX: 9239 Vista Way, Benbrook, TX 76126. P: 682-224-6474
Flower Mound, TX: 4101 Kirkpatrick Ln. Flower Mound, TX 75028. P: 972-436-7531
