In the middle of the busy holiday season, it is normal to become overwhelmed. Here are some pointers on how to keep the holiday hustle and bustle in check and manage stress associated with the end of the year.

List tasks. Preventing holiday stress has much to do with how good a planner we are and how committed we are to following through on those plans.

Learn to say no. Knowing our limitations will help manage stress. Arrange extra commitments, events and festivities so that life does not become unbalanced.

Keep moving. Regular exercise can boost the immune system, which is particularly important at this time of the year. Exercise is a great stress relief and helps fight fatigue. Even walking 30 minutes twice a day can improve overall health and well-being.

Eat carefully. Every teaspoonful of sugar is negatively impacting our immune system, making it less likely to finish the year strong. A clean eating lifestyle maximizes the likelihood we will not be sick and run down.

Get enough sleep. If we are in bed by 9 p.m. all year long, maintain that routine.

Decrease stress this December and go into 2020 healthy and ready for the new year.

 

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information, call 704-837-2420, email [email protected] or visit HaasWellnessCenters.com.