Managing Holiday Stress: Expert Advice from Dr. Erika Schwartz
As the holiday season approaches, it often brings a mix of joy, excitement, and stress. From organizing family gatherings to shopping for gifts and managing multiple responsibilities, the holiday season can become overwhelming for many. To help navigate through the stress and maintain a sense of well-being during this time, we sought expert advice from renowned Dr. Erika Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz, a leading figure in integrative medicine, shares valuable insights and practical tips for managing holiday stress.
Recognizing the Impact of Stress:
Dr. Schwartz emphasizes that stress affects not only our mental and emotional well-being but also our physical health. Increased stress levels can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to fatigue, anxiety, and even depression. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the impact stress can have on our overall well-being and take proactive steps to manage it effectively.
- Prioritize Self-Care:
Dr. Schwartz advocates for prioritizing self-care during the holiday season. This includes setting aside time for activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Engaging in regular exercise, practicing deep breathing or mindfulness techniques, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to reducing stress levels. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being should be a priority amidst the holiday rush. - Set Realistic Expectations:
One common source of holiday stress is setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others. Dr. Schwartz recommends setting realistic goals and expectations for what can be achieved during the season. It’s essential to remember that perfection is not the goal. Instead, focus on creating cherished moments and meaningful connections with loved ones. - Plan and Schedule:
Creating a well-organized plan and schedule can help minimize last-minute stressors. Dr. Schwartz advises starting early with tasks such as holiday shopping, meal preparations, and travel arrangements. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and allocating specific time slots, you can reduce the chances of feeling overwhelmed as the holidays draw near. - Seek Support and Delegate:
Remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Dr. Schwartz suggests seeking support from family members, friends, or colleagues and sharing the responsibilities. Delegating tasks and asking for help can help alleviate stress and create a sense of community and shared responsibility. Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed together. - Practice Mindful Eating:
During the festive season, it’s easy to indulge in unhealthy eating habits, leading to further stress and guilt. Dr. Schwartz advises practicing mindful eating by savoring each bite, choosing nourishing foods, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. By paying attention to what and how much you eat, you can maintain a balanced approach to holiday indulgences. - Managing holiday stress is crucial for maintaining a sense of balance and well-being during this joyous but sometimes overwhelming time of the year. By implementing the expert advice of Dr. Erika Schwartz, integrating self-care practices, setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, seeking support, and practicing mindful eating, you can minimize stress and make the most of the holiday season. Remember, the holidays are about finding joy, gratitude, and connection with loved ones.
About Dr. Erika Schwartz:
Erika Schwartz, MD is the founder of Evolved Science, a world renowned medical practice based in New York City, built on the recognition that bio-identical hormones are the foundation for better health. Once hormones are balanced, the practice focuses on optimization and longevity through disease prevention, patient advocacy and coordination of care.
Dr. Erika is a pioneer in the use of bio-identical hormones for preventing illness and recognizing their direct link to overall wellness and their interconnection with diet, sleep and stress management. For more, visit