Simple Ways to Support Your Nervous System Through the Stressful Side of Christmas.

The Christmas period is meant to be joyful — but for many people, it also brings a mix of pressure, rushing, noise, travel, and end-of-year deadlines. All of this can overload your nervous system and leave your body feeling tense, wired, or fatigued.

This guide shares simple, practical ways to stay grounded and calm during the festive season.
(If you’re new to nervous system support, you may also like our article on 3 Breathing Techniques to Calm Your Nervous System.)

Why Christmas Feels More Stressful Than We Expect

The holidays change our routine in ways your body really feels:

• Overstimulation: busy shops, bright lights, noise, eating more, drinking more, even spending time with those you don’t want to spend time with!

• Rushed schedules: shopping, travelling, hosting, or finishing work projects

• Less daylight: reduced natural light affects mood and energy

• Cold weather: the body naturally tightens in winter

• More sitting: travel, wrapping presents, long meals, laptop time

Even positive events can be physically draining when they come all at once.

For further reading on the impact of stress on the body, you might like another article on our website titled: Is Stress making you sick?

Breathing Techniques to Quickly Reset Your System

Breathing is one of the fastest, safest ways to help your body shift out of “overwhelm mode.” These techniques take under two minutes and can be done anywhere.

Box Breathing

A simple 4–4–4–4 rhythm that’s great when you’re feeling overstimulated or rushed.

Extended Exhale Breathing

Slowing down the out-breath helps the body settle and is ideal before bed or after a busy shopping trip.

Resonance Breathing

A slow, gentle rhythm (usually around 5–6 breaths per minute) that supports calm, balanced breathing.

👉 Learn how to do each technique step-by-step in our full guide: 3 Breathing Techniques to Calm Your Nervous System.

Movement Helps Release Built-Up Tension

You don’t need a workout — you just need movement.

• Gentle mobility (neck, shoulders, hips)

• A five-minute walk between tasks

• Standing up every 30–60 minutes

• Light stretching after travel or wrapping gifts

These small movements prevent the build-up of tension, stiffness, and that “tight chest + tight shoulders” feeling that comes with stress.

Create Small Moments of Calm During Busy Days

During the Christmas rush, calm doesn’t just happen — it’s something you create intentionally.

Try:

• A quiet five minutes before the day starts

• Stepping outside for fresh air

• A warm drink without your phone

• A two-minute reset: stretch + breathe + sip water

• Saying “no” to things that drain your energy

These micro-moments help your nervous system recover between stresses.

Managing the Christmas Chaos — and the End-of-Year Work Crunch

December brings a double hit: festive chaos and the pressure to finish everything before the holiday break.

When the to-do list feels never-ending, try:

✨ 1. Break Tasks Into Small Chunks

Tiny wins stop your brain feeling overwhelmed.

✨ 2. Use 60-Second Grounding Pauses

Sit with both feet flat, inhale gently, long exhale.
It’s one minute, but it works.

✨ 3. Step Away From Screens Often

Even 30 seconds helps reset your focus.

✨ 4. Create “Transition Routines”

End-of-work day → deep breath → short walk → Christmas mode.
It helps your nervous system switch gears cleanly.

✨ 5. Keep Posture in Mind

Long hours at a laptop tighten the neck and upper back.  We also wrote an article about ergonomics at work and small changes you could make to your workspace to improve your posture.  Check it out here if it sounds like something that might help you.

Supporting Your Nervous System Between Chiropractic Visits

You don’t need big routines — just small, consistent habits:

• Stay hydrated

• Keep your sleep routine steady

• Apply warmth to tight muscles

• Stretch gently in the evenings

• Notice early signs of tension before they build

If you’re unsure what your body needs this month, our team is always here to help. call us on 02890 452200 or make an appointment above on this link: Book now.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas period doesn’t have to overwhelm your body. Small, simple practices can help you feel grounded, connected, and more in control — even when the world around you gets hectic.

If you’d like personalised support for stress, posture, or winter wellbeing, you’re always welcome at Avalon Chiropractic.