This time of year brings warm wishes and cheer throughout December. It’s a time when we are the happiest, or at least we are supposed to be. Unfortunately, the holidays can actually be a time when we are most stressed. On top of the pressures we may be feeling from our jobs, our relationships, and daily life challenges, we also have to prepare for holiday parties, family conflicts, financial concerns, holiday shopping, traveling and having our families visit for the holidays, which can add an enormous amount of stress to our lives.
Stress can add a huge burden both emotionally and physically to our bodies. In my practice, I see patients daily whose stress contributes significantly to their poor health, causing sleeplessness, headaches and tight muscles and also causing flare ups in neck and back pain. I’m usually successful in getting rid of these symptoms for patients, but I often worry about the increased risk of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease and decreased immune function that can arise with increased stress.
What should we do through the holidays to decrease all this added stress? Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise, and don’t sweat the small stuff. See your health professional to correct problems causing the aches and pains. You only have one body, so take care of it! I also strongly recommend that you exercise your heart this holiday season and do something that feels good. Find something charitable you can do and “give.” Donate money, food, blankets, warm clothing, or other needed items in your community. If money is tight you can also give of your time and volunteer at a shelter, the food bank, or with any other organization that helps needy families in this tough economy. Every little bit counts! Studies have shown that people gain physical and emotional benefits from “giving,” including relief from insomnia, a heightened sense of self-worth, and other positive health effects. Helping those less fortunate has a way of putting our own stress in perspective and you’ll feel great about doing something good. Give from your heart, and the rewards will follow in your health and happiness.
Dr. Angela Ahluwalia practices at Kirkland Life Chiropractic and specializes in correcting Forward Head Posture and Stress Related neck, back, and arm pain, numbness, and tingling. She offers free consultations and posture evaluations and can be contacted at 425-576-5433 or drangela@kirklandlife.com for any questions.
