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‘Tis the Season to be Stressed-Out

Posted By: Wes Greer, Fitness Together Owner on 11/21/2011

Making a list and checking it twice – gonna find out what all I need to do this year for the Holidays…

I know this doesn’t sound as nice as the classic tune, but it’s the truth for the majority of Americans during the Holidays.  With all the parties, gift buying, travel, and family associated with this time of year, it is understandably a stressful time. 

So what is the best way to deal with these stresses?  As with any other time in your life, the body functions best with adequate sleep, nourishment and exercise.  Keeping the balance of these three items will help you keep the balance within other aspects of your life (including your sanity!)

Getting less than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep only serves to decrease your energy levels during the day, meaning you get less done, which of course, leads to stress.  Sleep deprivation, along with the other stresses of the Season can lead to more serious problems such as depression.  It’s a cycle that is hard to break once it starts. 

Another way to relieve stress is to make a list of everything you plan to get done through the New Year, and then number these priorities in order of importance.  Block out time for the most important items on your list.  Prioritizing your precious free time over the Holidays will help you devote adequate time for family, friends, parties, and ‘me’ time.  One de-stressing item on your list may be to give back to the community, by volunteering time or money to those less fortunate.  Keeping your Holiday tasks in order will also help you get the sleep you need throughout the Season.

Avoid the sugary sweets of the Holidays.  The average person consumes 5 lbs. of sugar a month and that number can double during the Holidays.  Sugar highs and lows affect mood and well-being more than most people realize.  Concentrate on eating correctly during this Season, with small, frequent, and healthy meals and you’ll be much better equipped to deal with stress. 

Exercise is essential, especially during the times of higher stress.  Any time our muscles are exerted, our body produces natural stimulants called endorphins.  Working out not only serves as a stress release, but the ‘post workout high’ you experience after a tough weight training or cardiovascular session will help you deal with family, traffic, and preparations of the Season.  Don’t sit around and wait for ‘resolutions’, the time to think about exercise is NOW!

Wes Greer is the owner of the Fitness Together Personal Training studios in Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, and Atlantic Boulevard.  Email wesgreer@fitnesstogether.com, call 904.285.3236 or visit www.FTJACKSONVILLE.com  for more information.