Holiday Stress Overload? 3 Simple Nervous System Resets to Stay Calm This Season
Have you ever noticed how every December starts with excitement — and somehow ends with your nerves feeling like they’re sprinting a marathon?
One of our patients told us recently:
“Every year I promise myself I’m going to slow down. Then suddenly I’m juggling shopping, kids’ events, family gatherings, wrapping presents at midnight… and I’m exhausted before Christmas even gets here.”
Sound familiar?
You are not alone.
Why the Holidays Overwhelm Your Nervous System
During the holiday season, your brain often stays in go mode, your body shifts into stress mode, and your nervous system ends up working overtime.
When your nervous system stays stuck in fight-or-flight too long, stress starts showing up physically — not just emotionally.
Signs Your Nervous System Is Stuck in Stress Mode
You might notice:
Headaches or tension
Poor or restless sleep
Neck, shoulder, or back stiffness
Brain fog or low energy
Getting sick more easily (yes — the “holiday cough” is real)
These are all common signs that your nervous system needs support.
3 Easy Nervous System Resets You Can Do Today
The good news? Small, intentional actions can create powerful nervous system shifts.
1. Box Breathing (2 Minutes)
This is one of the fastest ways to move your body out of fight-or-flight and into calm mode.
How to do it:
Inhale for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Repeat 5 times
Try this in your car before shopping — or while hiding in the pantry when everyone’s asking where the tape is. 😉
2. Stretch the Front of Your Chest
Stress pulls us forward — rounding the shoulders, tightening the chest, and cranking the upper traps.
A simple doorway stretch for 15–20 seconds helps:
Open the rib cage
Improve breathing
Instantly calm the nervous system
Deeper breathing = better nervous system regulation.
3. Move Your Spine for 30 Seconds
Gentle spinal movement tells your brain, “I’m safe.”
Try:
Cat-cow movements
Trunk rotations
Simply arching and rounding your back
Even short movement breaks help stop stress from stacking throughout the day.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Calm the Nervous System
If this sounds like every December for you — or if you usually end the year feeling sick, tense, achy, or burnt out — these resets can help you feel better fast.
But if your nervous system is already overwhelmed daily or weekly, this is exactly where chiropractic care makes a difference.
Chiropractic supports your nervous system by:
Improving spinal movement
Reducing physical stress patterns
Helping your body shift out of survival mode
Supporting recovery, regulation, and healing
Our goal is to help you enjoy the holidays instead of pushing through them.
Enjoy the Holidays Without Burning Out
If you’re looking for natural holiday stress relief and nervous system support, our team at Avant Chiropractic is here when you’re ready.
Wishing you calm, peace, and a happily adjusted holiday season,
Your Avant Chiropractic Team
