Every year, the Christmas season comes upon us unexpectedly and before we know it, it's the first day of Advent! But as contemplative as the festive season can be, the preparations can get some people on edge. After all, what would Christmas be without presents, a nice Christmas dinner, decorations and regular visits to the Christmas market? And so we try to juggle all the organizational tasks and Christmas parties so that we almost forget to enjoy the time.
The pre-Christmas stress is very real and even though it will eventually pass, you should take extra care of yourself during this time! Because stress can also make you ill in the run-up to Christmas and weaken your immune system. Especially at a time when we are exposed to highly contagious viruses, you should try to protect yourself as best you can. Listen to your body's signs of stress!
Signs of stress
Shift down a gear if you notice the following symptoms of stress:
Stomach complaints
Do you have stomach pains more often than before or do you always feel unwell? Your stomach can react sensitively to stress, so take its signals seriously.
Teeth grinding
If you notice that your jaw is tense in the morning or your teeth hurt, then you are probably grinding your teeth. Your body is trying to process the stress at night, but grinding your teeth can have fatal consequences and break your teeth!
Circulatory problems
Do you feel dizzy more often or do you need to rest more than before? This can also be due to stress. Treat yourself to longer breaks!
Fatigue
Stress can cause you to be permanently tired and feel exhausted. Take this as a warning signal and make sure you find a balance!
Headache
Stress is a frequent trigger for headaches in particular. Don't try to pump yourself full of painkillers, but balance yourself out with rest.
Tension
Our muscles also react to stress and so they can be tenser than usual, especially in the neck, for example. This tension can in turn trigger headaches. Relax your muscles with relaxation techniques, go to the sauna or treat yourself to a massage!
Sleep disorders
It becomes particularly problematic if you can't sleep because of stress, because then your body can no longer regenerate as it should. Try to stop working from two hours before going to bed and integrate an evening routine that helps you wind down. This could include evening walks, calming herbal teas or reading a relaxing book.
Irritability
Your fellow human beings also suffer from this sign of stress. Are you increasingly reacting with irritation to simple questions? Then it's time to take a deep breath and take a break. Relax with yoga or meditation. A fragrant bubble bath can also help to balance you out.
Concentration disorders
Stress can also mean that you can no longer concentrate on one thing for long and are particularly unfocused. This in turn can lead to you getting less done and the vicious circle begins. Try to structure yourself and avoid multitasking. As a rule, tasks are completed faster and more efficiently if you concentrate on one thing at a time and stress levels are reduced.
Our 5 tips against stress
In the best case scenario, you will not experience stress symptoms in the first place by creating an appropriate balance. You can reduce stress and avoid physical complaints with the following tips:
1. do enough sport
Exercise and sport are the classic way to reduce stress hormones. Make sure you switch off your mind while exercising two to three times a week. If you don't like doing sport or can't do it for health reasons, go for long walks instead.
Do you need advice on sports or a training plan? We support you, just get in touch!
2. eat a balanced diet
Our diet also has a major influence on our well-being. If the body does not have the right nutrients, it can no longer work properly. So avoid fast food and make sure you have the right balance!
Are you not sure whether you are already eating healthily or do you need support? We are happy to offer you nutritional advice.
3. get enough sleep
Even if you want to get a lot done, there's no point in repeatedly going without sleep. Sleep in a quiet environment and give your body time to recover. Then you will start the new day fit and full of energy.
4. use your free time
If you have free time, use it to create a balance. Do something nice that doesn't stress you out and think about something other than your to-do list for a while.
5. consciously relax.
Relaxing at the push of a button is not so easy, but with the right techniques you can learn how to integrate relaxation phases into your everyday life in a very uncomplicated way. Our stress expert Ms. Belinova will be happy to help you with the right relaxation techniques!
Katerina Belinova
Your expert for stress in Baden-Baden:
- Stress management (relaxation techniques / talk therapy)
- Sports medicine performance diagnostics, biological sports medicine
- Weight management (nutritional advice / training control / coaching)
