Try to Stick to Sleep, Exercise, Diet Routine

Congratulations! You survived Thanksgiving and Christmas, the over-eating and the frantic weeks of holiday shopping. But that was only the first couple of rounds of what is often an unhealthy season, known half-jokingly as “Stressmas.”

Just because five short weeks bring us Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, midterm exams and postseason football doesn’t mean we have to be stressed, overweight and depressed. What causes most of this stress? It’s the anticipation and expectation for “all good things” to happen. Additionally, the change in routine schedules for meals, sleep and socializing put stress on general health.

This is not a sermon on dieting and exercise. Save your promises and planning for New Years resolutions and the first weeks in January (when the nation’s health clubs are flooded with earnest new fitness buffs). Here are a few realistic suggestions for reducing stress in your holiday routine:

Don’t compare what you do with what friends and relatives do. There will always be someone who can do or give more.

Don’t become a “Stressmas” martyr and do it all yourself.

You can let some things slide. Prioritizing and organizing are key.

Don’t overspend. It’s easy to do this time of the year, but when you spend more than you can afford you prolong the stress of Christmas into the new year.

Meditate, have a regular spiritual quiet time or take a class in relaxation and stretching – like tai chi or yoga.

Eat nutritional food (it’s still available this time of year, after all). Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.

Cut back on caffeinated beverages.

Rest. Strive for eight hours of sleep each day.

Treat yourself to a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.

Stay Active During ‘Stressmas’

Often we neglect our exercise regimens during the holiday season, with good intentions to get back on track after Jan. 1. Exercise helps your body release tension and relieves mental and physical fatigue caused by stress.

Deep-breathing exercises. As you are sitting or lying down, take a deep breath in and count to eight. Exhale slowly to a count of eight. Repeat this several times to calm your body so you can deal with a stressful situation with a clear mind. I used to recommend counting to 10, but who has the time anymore?

Neck and shoulder exercises. Try these while creeping along in rush-hour traffic. Ease that tightness in your neck and shoulders by shrugging your shoulders up and down slowly and rolling them back. Relieve tension in your neck by slowly turning the head to look from side to side. Then gently tilt the head bringing the right ear toward the right shoulder. Repeat on the left.

A brisk walk. If the weather allows, put on a pair of walking shoes and go for a 10-minute walk. This allows your body to release muscle tension and remove excess levels of chemicals caused by stress.

Just keep doing it. While the holiday season is not the best time to begin a new exercise regimen, it is a terrible time to neglect the routine you are already on.

Jody McKibben is vice president of DAC, the health and fitness organization managing the Collierville Community Center.