By Carly Wemett
Masters of Occupational Therapy Student
Fieldwork at iSpine Clinics in Burnsville
The holidays can be a great time of the year, from spending time with family to driving around to see Christmas lights or attend a service at Church. While it is known as “the most wonderful time of the year”, the holidays can be just the opposite of that for some. If you find that you are more stressed and overwhelmed this time of year, you are not alone. In fact, according to a survey conducted by The American Psychological Association in 2023, 41% of people reported elevated stress during the holiday season. People surveyed reported that this elevation in stress was due to lack of time, financial pressure, gift giving, and family gatherings.
No matter what is causing you stress this holiday season, it is important to find ways to manage and cope with stress in the best ways possible. With these five tips from the team at iSpine Clinics, you can be better prepared to handle the stress that comes with the holiday season.
1. Don’t over schedule yourself
The holiday season can be full of gatherings. Keep in mind that you don’t need to do it all. Determine what you enjoy doing rather than the things you’re supposed to do. Focus your time and energy on activities you/your family/your children enjoy. In planning your schedule, it is important to consider your happiness and what brings you joy!
Lindsay Mackay, PT with iSpine Clinics, states, “There are several social obligations this time of year. It can be easy to spread yourself thin during the holidays. It is key that you are able to prioritize yourself during the holiday season.”
2. Take time for yourself
With the busyness of this season, it can be common to have less time for yourself. This holiday season, consider giving yourself a break from all the noise (shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.) and take time for yourself. Whether you enjoy reading, watching your favorite movie or show, taking a walk, or even taking a nap, it is important to do something for YOU!
3. Reach out if you need help
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can spike between October and January. If you feel like this time of the year is hard for you, lean on your loved ones. Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling. Ask them to check in on you as needed. Consider creating a self-care plan to manage your mental health and have your loved ones help in holding you accountable.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or explore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
4. Get moving
Maintaining activity in the winter seasons can be challenging, however it is essential for your health. Some great winter activities to help you stay active include: ice skating, downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter trail hiking. If winter activities aren’t for you or you have difficulty with higher intensity exercise, consider walking at a mall or even around an indoor track if this is an option for you. If you would rather stay inside in the comfort of your home, consider doing sit to stand squats, standing marches, walking around your house, and utilizing your stairs.
Dr. Thibault, MD at iSpine Clinics, states, “Engaging in physical exercise during the holidays provides a refreshing mental break from the seasonal demands, offering a chance to focus on something positive. It boosts energy levels by delivering oxygen to the brain and muscles, while also stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, which can elevate your mood and help you to better tackle holiday activities.”
5. Try to keep a routine
Keeping a routine is important as it can significantly reduce stress, improve focus and productivity, enhance mental well-being, facilitate better decision making, and help you establish healthy habits by providing a predictable structure to your day, allowing you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed by daily tasks.
Get professional help for chronic pain or injury over the holidays
Whether it is the holiday season or not, stress can present itself in different ways such as a physical presentation of pain. Stress can cause pain in a number of ways, including: muscle tension, inflammation, headaches, and back and neck symptoms. If you are having challenges coping with chronic pain or injury, iSpine Clinics has resources and providers that are here to help! Call iSpine at (763) 201-8191 to get connected!