(BPT) - The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also be hectic, bringing with it unique mental stressors like juggling to-do lists, managing budgets and navigating family dynamics.

To help keep stress from putting a damper on your otherwise festive season, the chiropractic experts at The Joint Chiropractic share ways stress can affect your wellness, plus practical tips to help you relax more and enjoy your holidays. Chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting your mental well-being by promoting a sense of calm and balance, allowing you to fully enjoy and embrace the holiday spirit.

How stress manifests during the holiday season

Three different types of stress can increase during the holidays:

1. Emotional stress often stems from feelings of worry, frustration and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday. Managing social obligations and navigating complex family dynamics can add to the emotional strain.
2. Chemical stress is frequently caused by changes in your diet and lifestyle choices. With an abundance of holiday treats, sugary snacks and rich foods, it's easy to consume excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats that can negatively impact your health.
3. Physical stress can result from the hustle and bustle of the season. Activities like decorating, carrying heavy shopping bags or traveling can put a strain on the body. Additionally, poor posture from sitting for extended periods or overuse injuries from repetitive motions can also contribute to physical stress.

Recognizing and understanding these stressors is essential for effectively managing holiday-related challenges. Prioritizing your well-being this time of year can help you truly enjoy the spirit of the season.

How chiropractic care can help manage stress

From sleep deprivation caused by late-night celebrations to holiday weight gain and mood swings from all the hustle and bustle, the impact of stress can be significant. Here's how routine chiropractic care can help you stay ahead of these challenges and keep stress in check so you can thrive:

• Healthy spine and nervous system. A healthy spine is the foundation of a well-functioning nervous system, which plays a key role in how you handle stress. Chiropractic adjustments help keep your spine properly aligned, promoting better communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. This can lead to a more balanced response to holiday stressors, both physically and mentally.
• Improved health and wellness. By supporting clear communication throughout your body, chiropractic care can reduce pain, decrease anxiety, improve sleep and stabilize your mood - all crucial elements during the hectic holiday season. With regular adjustments from your local chiropractor, you can also lower your risk of developing serious health issues, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with greater peace of mind.

Practical tips to ease holiday anxiety and promote relaxation

• Take a breather: Take 10 breaths. As you inhale for four seconds, concentrate on the feelings of stress and worry you're having. Then exhale for six seconds, letting everything go as you feel the release.
• Make time for relaxation: Along with getting chiropractic treatment, relax your neck and shoulder muscles with a heating pad, and do gentle daily stretches to keep your muscles limber and loose to ease muscle tension and reduce headaches.
• Enjoy regular light exercise: Find time in your schedule for about 15 minutes to get outside and walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park. That short amount of time can smooth away stress and help you wind down in the evening.
• Prioritize sleep: Prioritizing adequate sleep during the holiday season helps your body recover from daily stressors, supports a healthy immune system and enhances mental clarity. Quality rest can also improve your mood, making it easier to navigate family gatherings and holiday festivities with patience and joy.

To find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.