The holiday season has a way of sneaking up fast. Seemingly overnight, your calendar’s packed, your to-do list is a mile long, and you’re running on pumpkin spice lattes and adrenaline. While the holidays can be joyful, they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year.
That stress doesn’t just weigh on your mood; it affects your body. too. Headaches, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, and even digestive issues often flare up this time of year. But with a little intention, it’s possible to make the season feel more peaceful and less overwhelming.
Here, Dr. Michael Skardasis and our team at Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock, Georgia, highlight five simple strategies to keep the holiday stress at bay.
Holiday stress isn’t just in your head. It often comes from a mix of emotional and physical factors: tight schedules, extra spending, disrupted routines, and high expectations. And many people add navigating travel, difficult family dynamics, or grief to that list.
When stress builds up, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone. That spike can impact everything from your immune system to your blood pressure. Over time, it can leave you run down just when you’re trying to enjoy the season.
You can let that physiological response run amok, or you can tap into our expert tips for finding your calm and managing holiday stress.
A major source of holiday stress comes from trying to make everything “perfect.” But the truth is that it doesn’t have to be. Choose meaningful over flawless, focusing on what really matters to you and your family and letting go of the rest.
For you, this might mean scaling back on events, simplifying meals, or setting clear boundaries. Prioritizing your energy makes it easier to enjoy the moments you’ve created.
It’s easy for regular habits to slip during the holidays. Sleep gets shorter, meals get heavier, and exercise often gets skipped. A steady routine — even a flexible one — can help your body stay balanced.
Try to keep a consistent bedtime, drink enough water, and move your body a little each day. You don’t need to try to maintain a rigid, unforgiving regimen; small, steady choices make a big impact.
This season brings an avalanche of parties, volunteering opportunities, hosting, travel — it’s tempting to say yes to everything, but rest is just as important as celebration. Schedule some downtime. Quiet mornings, short walks, or reading breaks can help reset your mind and body.
You don’t need an hour-long meditation practice to reduce stress. Even small rituals can help. Deep breathing, listening to calming music, journaling, or stepping outside for fresh air can quickly lower tension.
The key is making these habits part of your daily rhythm, not just something you do when you’ve hit your limit.
In the holiday hustle, routine healthcare often gets put on the back burner. Do your best to keep up with medications, hydration, and scheduled appointments. If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, a little extra attention can prevent seasonal flare-ups.
Need help? At Optimal Performance Medicine, we specialize in helping patients manage chronic health conditions, and we can help you set up a holiday routine to make sure nothing in your care plan gets missed.
Sometimes stress goes beyond what self-care can manage. If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety, depression, or fatigue, reach out to our team. An appointment with Dr. Skardasis can make a real difference and remind you that you don’t have to carry it all on your own.
The holidays should be a time of connection, not burnout. We want to help you step into the season feeling calmer and more grounded. Contact Optimal Performance Medicine today to schedule an appointment and start the season off on the right foot.
