5 Practical Tips for a Healthier You in the New Year
Looking for easy ways to improve your health without feeling overwhelmed? Learn how small daily choices can create meaningful changes throughout the upcoming new year. Keep reading to learn more.
Managing Holiday Stress for Better Health
Most people think of stress as a negative force, but not all stress is harmful. Some forms — like joy, anticipation, or meaningful connections — can actually energize you.
The trouble starts when everyday frustrations or holiday pressures stack up and tip you into chronic stress. To help you stay grounded and keep the season enjoyable, let’s look at a few simple strategies that really make a difference.
Dr. John Monroe and our experienced medical team at Healthy Life Family Medicine help Goodyear, Arizona, residents deal with the problems that acute and chronic illnesses can bring, many of which worsen under stress.
Sources of holiday stress
The problems associated with stress triggered by emotional, psychological, biological, and social factors, and many annual holiday activities involve aspects of these factors. In an effort to help others enjoy the coming festivities, millions of Americans endure a range of issues, such as:
- Getting anxious over spending
- Struggling to find gifts
- Overburdening ourselves to get things done
- Pressures to please everyone else
- Traveling
- Feeling left out of activities
- Coping with or anticipating family drama
Spending issues rank the highest on the list of things that cause stress, but any of these can create acute or chronic problems that affect your health.
Stress-related health conditions
Trying to please everyone can take its toll during the holidays. The stress that stems from it can lead to issues like binge eating and drinking, anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, headaches, hypertension, acid reflux, ulcers, muscle tension, and sexual dysfunction. Chronic stress also hurts the immune system, making it easier to get infections and illnesses.
Stress also increases the risk of various conditions, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and worsens problems like emphysema and asthma.
How to prevent stress from ruining your holidays and health
To lower your stress levels this season, here are some options to try:
Identify what’s most important to you
It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the holiday rituals. Coping with many situations comes down to focusing on the essentials to have fun. Prioritize family time and focus less on whether everything is perfect, spotless, and on schedule.
Practice being grateful
Even when the holidays feel chaotic, there are usually quiet blessings tucked inside the mess. Maybe it’s the family member who traveled to be with you, the laughter around the table or simply knowing you did your best. Take a few minutes to acknowledge what went right and let gratitude soften the edges of the day.
Don’t assume the worst
Holiday stress has a way of magnifying everyone’s quirks — including the frustrating ones. But most people rarely know what someone else is carrying. Giving others a little grace can take a surprising amount of weight off your own shoulders. Try shifting your focus from others’ outward actions and appearances to their inner beauty and the deep value they bring to your life.
Take a walk
Sometimes the best reset is as simple as stepping outside. A short walk gives your mind room to breathe, helps your mood settle, and offers a breather from the noise. Even 10 minutes of fresh air can help you return with a calmer perspective.
None of these practices will erase stress completely — and they don’t have to. The goal is to lower the pressure you put on yourself and approach family time with more realistic expectations. If you’d like more support finding peace this season, schedule an appointment with Dr. Monroe and Healthy Life Family Medicine.
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