“Hustle and bustle” hardly describes the stress we can experience during the holiday season.  Between the work related angst of reaching year-end projections and the nutrition depriving noshing at the social gatherings, our bodies take the brunt of the abuse during the five week endurance event that is the holiday season.   Here are some tips to help you go from surviving to thriving this holiday season:

Drink plenty of water – you should be drinking half of your weight in ounces of water per day.  You should also consider drinking an additional 8 oz for each dehydrating beverage (soda, coffee, alcohol) you consume each day.  Water is a major component of healthy functioning muscles.  A dehydrated muscle is more prone to spasm, pain and injury.

Take time to stretch and quiet your mind – mental and emotional stress can cause tight muscles.  When this tension is left unaddressed it can perpetuate itself into what is called the “pain/spasm/pain” cycle.   Taking the time to begin and end your day with a few quiet moments of stretching can help prevent emotional related muscle spasms.

Fuel your body – make sure to give yourself proper nutrition.  Planning our meals often goes out the window during the holidays.  Make sure to eat well as often as you can to offset those naughty nibbles at holiday parties.  Remember you are what you eat and if you eat poorly, you will feel poorly.

See your healthcare provider – make sure you follow through with your healthy practices.  It is even more important during stressful times that you take good care of yourself.  Continue your wellness plan and see your Massage Therapist, Chiropractor or whoever is best capable to ensure your good health during this holiday season.

I hope you can use these tips to help get the most out of your holidays.  Remember to live in balance, reduce the excess and give yourself a break from time to time.  Taking the time to take care of yourself this holiday season can help you make it the best year ever.  Have a great (and safe) holiday!

Yours In Health -
Ashley Wilson
NMT, LMT
~Inspire Someone!

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