Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner, and along with all of those good tidings and cheer, can often come a great deal of stress and anxiety. In the midst of this festive season, it’s important to pay attention of our physical and mental well-being in order to enjoy all of the merriment of this magical time of year.
- Manage Spending. Overspending is a key cause of stress for most Canadians at this time of year. Start early, plan ahead and create a fixed budget that is reasonable for you and your family. Consider smaller, more sentimental gifts and give homemade treats to teachers, adult friends and neighbours for a personal touch that is sure to be more memorable than a bottle of wine or a pre-made gift basket.
- Don’t overschedule. It is so easy at this time of year to say yes to every invitation that comes along. Take charge of your calendar and practice saying no to events that are going to add stress to your life or that conflict with other, more important, dates. Give your regrets to all but your most important gatherings and make way for a much more relaxing and stress-free holiday season.
- Eat (and Drink) Well. We all tend to over indulge over the holidays. Thanksgiving is barely behind us before well-meaning hosts are offering trays of delicious goodies and flirty cocktails. The problem is, enjoying these treats on a regular basis can lead to difficulties with sleep, digestion and weight gain. Instead, manage your appetite by eating a healthy meal before you arrive to curb those cravings, and limit alcohol intake to a reasonably festive amount.
- Get Lots of Sleep. It’s easy to miss out on sleep when you are burning the candle at both ends. Feeling like you have way too much to do can sometimes be overwhelming and can inhibit our ability to sleep well. If this sounds like you, try to create good sleep hygiene by developing regular times to wake and sleep – even on weekends. Limit screen time for at least half an hour before bed, and sleep in a cool, quiet room.
- Don’t Forget Exercise. People tend to let their regular routine fall by the wayside during this hectic time of year, but it’s more important than ever to maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise in order to keep you mentally and physically fit. Incorporate walking, running, yoga, pilates and any other activities you enjoy into your daily life and make sure to prioritize your health. Getting in your daily dose of fitness will go a long way towards a happier you when January rolls around!
- Preventative Stress Therapy. Many of us find the holiday season stressful for any number of different reasons. If you are one of these people, consider developing a massage therapy regimen to manage your stress and keep you feeling strong and positive. Massage therapy has many benefits, including relieving soft tissue aches and pains, promoting quality sleep and alleviating stress. Taking time out of your hectic schedule and devoting it to your own personal care is a positive step towards your overall well-being. Your RMT will help you to define an individualized plan that is unique to you, for optimum results that are tailored for your needs. Many insurance plans cover the cost of massage therapy, so be sure to speak to your health care provider or any member of the Achieve Health team to see if this is an option for you.
Contact us today for information on any of our services, including Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care, and of course, Massage Therapy. Our experienced therapists will be happy to help you develop a plan to address all of your personal health goals.