Nervous About the Holidays?

It’s holiday time and every one is going to start rushing around planning, shopping, eating and the like. All this “holiday stress,” good and bad, can take a toll on both the nervous system and the immune system.

The nervous system transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, including internal organs. It is responsible for the Sympathetic “fight or flight” system, and the Parasympathetic “rest and digest” system. You can imagine that at holiday time we turn on the “fight or flight” mode more often than usual.

In this midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, what can we do to make sure our nervous system function properly, ensuring a smooth switch into “rest and digest” mode?

1. Check your Atlas – It’s no surprise we recommend getting your atlas checked. The Atlas plays a key role in how our nervous system functions. Every nerve and artery from the brain exits through this vertebrae into the entire body. Being in alignment ensures that the body is communicating on all planes, which means overall better health when stressors and pathogens come into play.
2. Soak in Epsom Salts – Take some time to relax and recharge. Soaking in Epsom salts reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and turns on the parasympathetic nervous system. Epsom salts can also be detoxifying to the body, offering more mental clarity and focus.
   Add two pounds of Epsom salts to a warm bath. Support the upper neck and head with a towel and soak for 15-20 minutes. You can also add candles and some music for a spa-like experience. When finished, rinse off and towel dry.
3. Take Your Vitamins – We’re not going to tell you to not partake in holiday eats and treats, but we do recommend adding some supplementation to help boost your body’s nutrition around this time. Your nervous system loves B vitamins, specifically B12, which plays a huge roll in red blood cell formation, nerve function, and cell metabolism. Vitamin C and Zinc help strengthen your immune system to fight off pathogens, and Vitamin D helps ward off infections, as well as reduce inflammation.

Holiday time may be stressful, but taking time to care for yourself will keep your body and nervous system functioning at its best. When you are feeling your best, you’ll be able to enjoy the season with family and friends.

After all, your health is the gift that keeps on giving!