Holiday stress can affect anyone, even children. There are a lot of expectations around the holidays. Many people associate the holidays with social gatherings, rituals, and happy memories. These expectations can lead to stress and take a toll on the body. Just think back to a time when you were super stressed, fearful or even excited. I bet you had an uneasy feeling in your gut too — maybe nausea or butterflies in your stomach. Whatever was going on in your mind went straight to your gut. This mind-gut connection isn’t a big deal if you’re stressed out occasionally. But it becomes a problem when you’re dealing with stress or anxiety daily.
You may start experiencing uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms like cramping, queasiness, indigestion, bloating and diarrhea. You may even develop chronic gut issues, like ulcers, GERD and irritable bowel syndrome. This over time can create leaky gut, a chronic issue that creates inflammation throughout the body.
Before the stress of the holidays sneaks up on you, read on to learn how to enjoy your most stress-free holiday season yet.
Healthy family boundaries allow us to:
1) Put yourself first-find some time to get some fresh air. Deep breathing can help bring heart rate and stress down-Slow, deep breaths (4 count in, 4 count hold, 4 count breath out)
2) Give yourself permission to say, “No” so that we have the freedom to say, “Yes”
3) Create realistic expectations for ourselves and others-give grace
4) Focus on things we can control such as our attitude and actions
5) Center ourselves on giving to the relationships where we are understood
6) Release the idea of trying to “fix” others.
7) Eat more fiber to help with leaky guy
8) Take a good probiotic and vitamins to ensure your immune system stays at its best
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies (25+ BEST Recipes) – Meaningful Eats
