Treating the Problem of Stress with Massage Therapy
And so it begins…
The stress of crazy lines at the grocery store, the mad rush to tidy the house to perfection, an influx of multiple relatives, the list goes on and on. Yep, you guessed it, it’s the beginning of the holiday season! The time where we as a society set out to conquer all that needs conquering in order to have the most perfect holiday occasion of them all. While on the quest for perfection we tend to always find something along the way… STRESS. This week, Dr. Ashley Hoyt offers some tips to help control stress.
What is it about the holidays that creates stress?
Good question. There are many reasons why we believe the holidays cause stress. Some would tend to blame backed up traffic, crowded malls, and never-ending sentimental commercials pushing holiday cheer and family love. However, believe it or not, our own memories of past holidays could be the reason.
Dr. Ronald Nathan, PhD, a clinical professor at Albany Medical College in New York says, “When we think about the holidays, we dwell on the past and what went wrong, or we romanticize it and make it impossible to re-create.” Whether or not you believe that, really isn’t as important as what you can do to make sure the stress of the holidays do not become so overwhelming that it overshadows the holiday season altogether.
What are some solutions to keeping the stress of the holidays to a minimum?
Dr. Nathan suggests we stop dwelling on the past and broaden our minds to what the holidays can be in the present.
Women’s Day Magazine suggests a good way to decrease stress during the holidays is when putting together that holiday “to-do list”. Alternate each task with something enjoyable which will allow you to relax a bit and truly enjoy what the holidays are about.
MassageTherapy.com suggests that taking time for yourself during a time when we are most going out of our way for others is key to a “stressless” holiday season. Here are some ways to do just that:
1.Take time for yourself.
YES, get a massage. Soak in a mineral bath. Get a facial. Take a moment at the moment when you think one is least available.
2. Shop online.
Another good way to decrease stress during the holidays is to forget the enormous battle with overcrowded malls and department stores. Shop online early and even get it gift wrapped to save the stress over having to wrap a million gifts before the grand opening of them all.
3. Eat right.
They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. Some of the most delicious food comes this time of year. Enjoy a traditional pie, puddings or cookies as long as it’s in moderation. Eat right because it will be a major factor in how sluggish you feel. That could prevent you from accomplishing what you need to do in time for the holidays. So, keep your portions moderate and spread them out over the course of the day.
4. Remember the spirit.
When it’s all said and done, no one will remember that the turkey was a little dry, or that you completely forgot the dinner rolls. What will shine brightest in their minds are the moments and special memories shared with each other along the way. Guarantee that your effort to enjoy yourself pays off by managing your stress.
If you would like to find out more about massage therapy or relaxing facials, book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt today, or call Dr. Ashley Hoyt’s Key West Wellness Center to schedule an appointment. (305) 296-5358.
