The holiday season can be magical, but let’s be honest – it can also feel overwhelming. Between gift shopping, family gatherings, and packed schedules, stress can quietly creep in, sometimes making old aches and pains resurface. But what if there was a simple, free tool you could use to calm your nervous system and ease some of that holiday tension?

My kids love reading books, and one of our favorite Christmas stories this season has been “Llama Llama Holiday Drama.” This playful book highlights all the fun and excitement of the holidays through the eyes of little Llama. But as the days inch closer to Christmas, Llama’s mounting anticipation turns into a full-blown case of HOLIDRAMA. It’s adorable and entertaining, but the message hits home for many of us. The holiday season often brings with it mental overwhelm, endless to-do lists, and even the return of those familiar aches and pains.

The mind-body connection becomes especially clear during periods of heightened stress. So, how do we combat “Holidrama” when there’s already no space left in our busy schedules?

One free, always-accessible tool to calm the nervous system and bring the body back into balance is breathwork. Your breath is a powerful, built-in mechanism that can help regulate stress and promote relaxation. By consciously slowing down your breathing, you can tap into your body’s natural ability to soothe a sensitive nervous system.

Here’s a simple exercise to try:

Find a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Close your eyes if you feel comfortable, and focus on the sensation of your breath moving in and out. Notice the natural rhythm of your breath without trying to change it at first. Then, begin to gradually lengthen each inhale and exhale, allowing your breath to deepen. If your mind starts to wander, gently guide your attention back to the waves of your breath. Continue for several breaths or up to a minute. You may notice a subtle shift as your body begins to relax, and tension starts to ease.

This practice can help reduce sensitivity in the nervous system and calm some of those recurring aches that seem to flare up during stressful times. Breathwork is a simple yet effective way to create small moments of calm amidst the holiday rush.

At Clash PT and Health Services, we believe in addressing the whole person, and breathwork is just one of the many tools we incorporate to help guide you on your wellness journey. If you’re experiencing recurring pain or heightened stress during this season, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide personalized strategies to support your health and well-being through the holidays and beyond.

- Bridget Vaglio