The holidays are full of hustle and bustle, which leaves many people feeling stressed out and tired. While there is much to be said for a yuletide cocktail, there are far better ways to handle stress management without turning to your favorite holiday vices. The key to making the most out of your own personal stress management strategy is to listen closely to your body—what is offering you pain relief? Whether it’s rest and recuperation or a more active physical approach, you can whittle your stress down to a more reasonable level before the height of the holiday season. 

3 Key Stress Management Tips You Need This Year

1. Set Your Priorities 

While gift shopping and cooking are likely at the top of your to-do list, it’s crucial that you make your own personal well-being a priority as well. Take some time to map out a loose schedule, listing all the things you need to get done before family and friends arrive and ranking them from most to least important. Make sure that you pepper in a few activities that will benefit your mental and physical wellness, like a visit to your favorite massage therapist or a long walk outside with a friend. Keeping an optimized to-do list will make it easier for you to avoid being stretched too thin.

2. Reach Out for Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the business of the season, know that you’re not alone. The best way to battle the feeling of drowning in holiday cheer is to share your concerns with a friend or family member that you trust. Outsourcing your concerns will usually lead to a clear solution and a bit of perspective that you may have lacked on your own. 

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the most useful tools in relieving stress during any time of the year. Even a mere 30 minutes each day can greatly improve your mood, energy levels and ability to complete necessary tasks. If you feel that your body is too tired or stiff to complete half an hour of light exercise every day, it might be a good time to start physical therapy to help you with pain management and to encourage your muscles to loosen up and ease any remaining tension. 

Are you a resident of High Point, NC, looking for a resource to help with stress management this year? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the talented team at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy. Whether you’re experiencing stress due to chronic pain or are simply looking for a way to release tension before the new year, you can trust this group of health gurus to get the job done. With just a few massage sessions, you’ll feel all anxiety fade away, leaving you with a better night’s sleep, more energy, and an improved overall mood. For more information, visit them online or give them a call at (336) 906-2040.