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As the holiday season approaches with its glittering lights and festive cheer, most of us are reminded of the uninvited guest it often brings along: stress. But what if this year could be different? Check out these physical therapy techniques that promise not just relief, but a joyous, stress-free holiday!

Feeling Stressed Before the Holiday Begins? Physical Therapy Can Help!

As the holiday season whirls around with its endless to-do lists and social gatherings, our mind and bodies can bear the brunt, feeling stress and burnout. Physical therapy can be there for you as a tool in your pre-holiday plans to combat and further prevent the pressures that the holidays can bring. 

While it can be easy to view Physical Therapy purely for the physical benefits and ‘fixing’ what hurts, it’s better viewed as holistic self-care as it’s incredible for your mind, too. 

Rid Stress this Holiday Season with Movement (Even if it’s Cold!) 

As the winter wind whistles and the days grow shorter, our bodies can easily echo the season’s call to hibernate. Physical therapy is your perfect partner to help melt away stress and re-invigorate your spirits when the holidays get stressful. 

The intentional movements will keep your blood flowing during the colder days when you’re feeling stiff and rigid. The tightness in your body due to the colder weather can cause stress on your muscles and organs, making physical movement seem more difficult than usual. This makes it easier for excuses to creep in or that feeling where you just wish you had more “motivation” and start to be hard on yourself.

Movement during the winter holidays can be so impactful because when you move your body, it will release feel-good chemicals, endorphins for instant and natural stress relief (and often said to be a natural high). But it can be harder in the colder weather to get the movement in that our body and mind needs, even when we know we should. 

Understanding what is happening and the benefits during this key time can help. When your body is in motion, the atoms inside of your cells start to speed up, creating heat within your body. The movements become easier and more fluid as blood and oxygen are pushed through your circulatory system, which naturally takes a hit in the winter due to the chill. When you do push through the call of the couch-cozy’s and get the blood pumping, it will feel good, and be good for your body.!  

Stressing about getting sick over the holidays? You’ll love the added benefits of movement that will help strengthen your immune system, adding a double-win to stress reduction during the hectic lead up to Christmas and New Years. This makes it the perfect way to take a break when you’ve been stressing over your holiday to-do list.

If you are still struggling with the thought of making time or pushing yourself for a high intensity workout, know it doesn’t have to be breaking PR’s to be helpful. High intensity workouts can be great, but for stress relief (and during a jam-packed schedule) consider including gentle, warming stretches, soothing joint mobilizations, and muscle-strengthening exercises that can support your muscles, body, and your mind. With intention, these moves can ensure you don’t see a spike in the stress hormone cortisol, but keep you healthy and happy!

As you enjoy your winter wonderland of holiday preparations and festivities, remember to keep moving. Physical therapy is a celebration of movement, a testament to the joy of staying active even when the life gets busy or the temperatures drop.

Keeping the Spirit Bright: Simple At-Home Physical Therapy Tips

You can sprinkle some holiday magic right in the comfort of your living room with some simple, but effective, at-home physical therapy moves. These are our little gifts to you, ensuring that your holiday season is not just merry and bright, but also wonderfully simple and stress-free.

The Snow Angel Stretch

Who says snow angels are just for kids? Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Slowly move your arms above your head and back down, just like making a snow angel. This delightful stretch is perfect for opening up those chest muscles tightened from wrapping gifts, cooking up a holiday feast or from shoveling snow out in the cold.

The Jingle Bell Rock and Roll

Sitting too long while online shopping or writing those holiday cards? Try this: Sit on a stability ball or a chair, keep your feet flat on the ground, and gently rock your hips side to side,  front to back, and in circles, clockwise, then counterclockwise. It’s like a mini-dance for your spine, keeping it flexible and happy. Add holiday tunes to make it extra fun.

The Festive Forward Fold

After a long day, stand up, feet hip-width apart, and gently fold forward, reaching towards your toes. Let your head hang loosely, releasing tension. It’s a simple way to say goodbye to stress in areas you didn’t realize you were tense.

The Holiday Twist

While seated, cross your right leg over your left. Place your left elbow on your right knee and gently twist your body to the right. Hold, then repeat on the other side. This twist is a lovely gift for your spine, perfect for moving through those challenging holiday moments with patience. 

These tips are easy, effective, and best of all, you can do them while humming your favorite holiday tune. We understand the holidays come with a lot of factors including family dinners and delicious food. You’ll love that these simple exercises will also help with your digestive health. One less thing to stress about!

Achieve a Stress-Free Holiday Season With Us!

As you continue to prep for the holidays, know you don’t have to be alone in your stress or with your health goals. We are here for you (now, and always). 

At Core Wellness, we believe your health is not summed up just by your physicality, but by all aspects of your being. So whether you are feeling overwhelmed and need some support, looking to set achievable goals and don’t know where to start, or wanting to find new ways to move your body, we can help! 

If you are ready to take a new approach to feeling your best, book your initial evaluation and follow up appointments by following this link. You’ll be able to see all the ways we can help at a time convenient to you!

With our support, you’re not just plowing through the holiday season; you’re starting a journey of lifelong optimal health and wellness. 

Let’s raise a toast to a stress-free today and a healthful, joyful tomorrow. Cheers towards a brighter, livelier, and more vibrant you!