Holiday Stress, the Nervous System, & Why December Bodies Need Extra Care

The holiday season settles over the Mountain communities in a way that feels both magical and demanding. Between the early nightfall, the cold damp air rolling in off the forest, and the pressure to “fit everything in,” many of us feel our bodies tightening up long before the snow really starts to fall. Even when we love this season, our nervous systems often get overwhelmed — especially here in the foothills of Mt. Hood, where winter asks a little more from our bodies.

Your Nervous System Doesn’t Know It’s the Holidays

Whether you’re hurrying through Sandy on errands, hauling firewood in Welches, or juggling visiting family in the Villages, your nervous system reacts the same way: stress is stress. And when stress builds, the sympathetic nervous system — the fight-or-flight mode — kicks in and often stays stuck there.

That’s why December brings a noticeable uptick in:

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Headaches

• TMJ flare-ups from clenching

• Digestive changes

• Sleep issues

• Low back pain from long drives, slippery walkways, and winter chores

Your body isn’t misbehaving — it’s trying to protect you. It just doesn’t realize you’re racing to a holiday concert, not running from danger.

Northwest Winters Intensify the Load

Cold, damp weather tightens muscles faster than people expect. In the Mt. Hood corridor, with our mix of rain, occasional ice, and quick temperature swings, the body works harder just to stay warm. Add in heavy coats, stacks of Amazon boxes, and the annual ritual of pulling decorations out of storage, and it’s no surprise we see more injuries this time of year.

We also naturally move less in the winter — shorter days mean fewer walks, more time indoors, and more screen time. All of this adds stress to the nervous system.

Why Chiropractic Helps During the Holidays

Chiropractic care supports the nervous system’s ability to self-regulate — something we desperately need in December. Gentle adjustments can help:

• Reduce tension and improve circulation

• Support deeper, more restorative sleep

• Calm the stress response

• Improve mobility (especially important with slippery steps and heavy coats)

• Give your body a “reset” when stress stacks up

Patients often tell me, “I didn’t realize how tight I was until after that adjustment.” Winter tension can sneak up on even the healthiest bodies.

Simple “Holiday Nervous System Reset” Tips

A few small habits can support your body through the season:

• Morning sunlight exposure: Even on cloudy Mt. Hood days, natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm.

• Warm up your muscles: A few minutes near the fire or a warm shower before doing chores can reduce injury risk.

• 10-minute walks after meals: umbrella optional — even brief movement helps circulation and digestion.

• Screen-free wind-down: Give your brain at least an hour off screens before bed.

• Chiropractic support: Don’t wait for pain. December is a great month for maintenance.

Give Your Body a Break This Season

The holidays have a way of pulling us in every direction — celebrations, travel, family responsibilities, and work. But your nervous system needs care during the season, not after it passes.

Supporting your body now means more energy, fewer flare-ups, and more capacity to enjoy the beauty of winter on the Mountain — the quiet mornings, the fresh air, the lights in the trees, and the moments that make this season special.