The stress of the holidays it’s implications on health are myriad, and research tells us that stress managed poorly wreaks havoc on more than just your psyche.  As a result of the chemical changes that high stress levels create in the brains, it leads to poor sleep patterns, poor food choices, and a resistance to exercise.  This awful combination leads to new incarnations of the infamous “freshman 15”.

But managing stress and maintaining healthy habits and weight are really simple. 

Here are four helpful ways to manage stress during the holidays:

 

Don’t drink the cool aid to destress – alcohol might be an easy, temporary fix for stress.  But the positive effects of abstaining from alcohol certainly outweigh the benefits of drinking in both the short term and long term.  Not taking another drink means that you won’t feel the urge to indulge on excess food the next day, you won’t feel swollen or bloated, and the inner workings of your psyche will be able to sort the days’ stresses out.  And that’s not even considering the typical consequences of drinking, including feeling bloated/swollen.

 

Get out of breath - A good bout of cardiovascular exercise between twenty and thirty minutes will positively affect neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain related to emotions and urges) that stress otherwise changes for the worse. 


 

Use those sexy muscles - Strength training stimulates the production of hormones that not only lead to burning more calories but they also increase confidence, reversing the natural effects of stress on the mind and body.  In addition to having a positive effect on how you feel, strength training and cardio also occupy time that you might otherwise be watching prime time television and/or snacking. 

 

Do the popeye thing – nutrients from veggies support your immune system, especially when stress reduces your defenses.  Fruits also help support your body’s natural defense system with nutrients not prominent among vegetables.

 

 


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