11/17/2025
4 Strategies to Help You Combat Holiday Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people say their stress levels increase during the holidays.
Common stressors include financial pressure, the feeling of “too much to do,” too many parties, family conflict, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and loneliness, which is even more pronounced this year for many people due to lingering post-COVID effects.
When under stress, your body releases stress hormones, activating the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system. While this response is helpful in short-term emergencies, when it stays “on” for too long, it becomes harmful, putting significant stress on the brain and nervous system, which can lead to illness and disease.
Here are 4 strategies to better manage holiday stress:
1️⃣ Change the way you shop.
Set a budget and stick to it. Try a family Yankee swap or Secret Santa to reduce expenses and keep things fun.
2️⃣ Be realistic.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect or the same as last year. Create new traditions, and connect with loved ones through video calls if needed.
3️⃣ Acknowledge your feelings.
You can’t force happiness. Allow yourself to feel and process emotions such as sadness, frustration, or grief instead of suppressing them.
4️⃣ Chiropractic Care!
This is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially during the holidays. The right care plan specifically for you can reduce stress on the brain and nervous system, helping your body function optimally.
📅 Schedule your next appointment today to see how stress is impacting your brain and learn how we can help you stay healthy this holiday season!