The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also bring a fair share of stress. Between shopping, cooking, and gatherings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Staying active and managing stress effectively is essential to enjoying the holidays to the fullest. Here’s how physical therapy and smart exercise routines can help you stay balanced and healthy during this busy time.

1. Stress Relief Through Physical Therapy

Physical therapy isn’t just for injuries—it’s also a powerful tool for managing stress. Here are some techniques that can help:

• Relaxation Exercises: Physical therapists can guide you through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, which help reduce tension and promote a sense of calm.
• Manual Therapy: Gentle massage and manual therapy techniques can ease muscle tightness, improve circulation, and help you unwind after a hectic day.
• Mind-Body Connection: Working with a physical therapist can help you better understand the connection between your body and stress. Learning to recognize how stress manifests in your body allows you to address it more effectively.

2. Holiday Exercise Routines

Staying active during the holidays is key to managing stress and maintaining your health. Here’s how to fit exercise into your busy schedule:

• Quick Workouts: Don’t have time for a full workout? No problem! Even 10-15 minutes of exercise can make a difference. Try a quick circuit of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks to get your heart rate up and relieve stress. [ Opportunity to sell workout kit ]
• Incorporate Movement into Festivities: Turn holiday activities into exercise opportunities. Take a brisk walk after a big meal, go ice skating with family, or play a game of touch football in the yard. These activities are fun and help you stay active without needing a formal workout.
• Yoga and Stretching: Yoga and stretching are perfect for both relaxation and staying active. They help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and keep your muscles limber. A quick morning yoga session or evening stretch can be just what you need to stay balanced during the holidays.

3. Plan for a Healthy New Year

As you navigate the holiday season, don’t forget to look ahead to the new year. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your health goals for 2025. Whether you want to address lingering pain, improve your fitness, or simply feel your best, we’re here to support you.

Download our “My 2025 Health & Rehabilitation Goals” Worksheet (PDF)