Day 2: Navigating Holiday Stress: Managing the Holiday Hustle

Dec 4

Day 2: Navigating Holiday Stress: Managing the Holiday Hustle

As we step into the holiday whirlwind, it's essential to take a moment to address a companion that often makes an appearance – stress. Or, the body's ancient survival mechanism that served our ancestors well but can be quite challenging in the modern holiday hustle.

Stress In the “Old Days”

In the "old days," our stress response, the infamous "fight or flight," was a lifesaver. Encounter a wild animal? Stress kicks in, hormones surge, and we're ready to sprint or fight for our lives. Fast forward to today, and our bodies have yet to catch up with the nuances of modern stressors entirely.

Stress Response in the Body

When stressors occur, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood our system. Glucose and fats are released into the bloodstream, preparing us for quick energy. In the short term, it's a brilliant system designed for survival. (I am always amazed at how the body responds so quickly.) What happens when we don't get a chance to "recover" from this physiological response? Our bodies can bear the brunt of chronic stress, impacting everything from sleep to digestion. The body still thinks it needs to fuel those muscles for fight or flight so that it can affect digestion. And, when the adrenaline is high – sleep is not coming soon.

Real vs. Perceived Stress

Interestingly, the body responds similarly to real and perceived stress. The physiological response remains the same whether it's a sudden loud noise or the stress of a never-ending to-do list. Our body doesn't distinguish between a break-in and a cat knocking something off a table in the middle of the night. It's all part of the survival mode.

Stress Levels During the Holidays

Now, add to the stress mix the holiday season – a time of joy, connection, and, yes, an increased load on the stress-o-meter. The to-do list grows (again, real or perceived), and suddenly, the festivities are accompanied by a dash of stress.

Managing the Holiday Hustle

While we may be unable to eliminate all sources of stress (is there such a thing as no stress?), we can undoubtedly manage how we respond to them. Here are a few strategies to unwrap stress management and embrace nutritional relaxation this holiday season:

1. Relaxation Techniques:

Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
Try progressive muscle relaxation to release tension.

2. Letting Things Go:

Prioritize tasks and let go of non-essential activities.
Embrace imperfection – it adds character to the holiday season.

3. Perspective Check:

Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing here?"
Focus on what truly matters and let go of perfectionism.

4. Nutritional Support:

Ensure balanced meals with a mix of nutrients for stable energy.
Hydrate well –with water

Remember, the holiday season is about joy and connection. We can navigate the holidays with resilience and well-being by unwrapping stress management strategies and nourishing relaxation techniques.

Here's to a stress-managed and nutritionally relaxed holiday season!

Check in on the blog tomorrow for the BONUS Take Five: Five Calming Foods to Help with Stress AND Five Ways to Relax - Even for Just Five Minutes

12 Days of Wellnessstress management

Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN, is a dedicated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New Mexico, USA. As the owner of Real World Nutrition, her private practice, she's passionate about guiding individuals toward eating and living healthier in the real world. Beyond one-on-one consultations, Shelley is a multifaceted professional. She's a podcaster, author, speaker, and consultant known for her commitment to dispelling nutrition myths and providing evidence-based information. Her mission is to empower people to achieve improved health, wellness, and energy without resorting to restrictive diets or misinformation.

https://www.shelleyrael.com/