Stress Less This Holiday Season
- Ashlee Mayo LMT
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
As we step into December, I find myself reflecting on how deeply this season effects us. For some it brings excitement and celebration, for others, it stirs up memories and tense emotions. The holidays can be a mix of everything: joy, overwhelm, gratitude, fatigue and stress.
But stress isn't just an emotion, it's a full-body chemical event! When the nervous system notices pressure, overwhelm, or uncertainty, it releases a mix of cortisol and adrenaline to try and protect us. That's great in theory, but not when it lasts longer than the body was built for...
Read on for some practical tips and things we can all do this holiday season to manage the inevitable stress a little easier.
How Stress Shows up in the Body
In my work as a Massage Therapist, I see how stress can show up differently for different people: it doesn't just manifest in the mind, but settles into the body. In general (and in my professional experience) clients most often report:
Tight shoulders and neck pain, and shallow breathing
Low energy or "running on empty"
Trouble sleeping or waking up tense
Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, constipation)
Headaches or jaw clenching
Increased inflammation and "flare-ups"
Feeling irritable, emotional, or disconnected
I see the effects of stress on the body directly, particularly in our muscles. Stress shows up when then nervous system gets stuck in our "fight or flight" mode. It looks like:
muscles staying partly contracted ("holding patterns") and have a hard time relaxing
fascia tightens and restricts movements ("feeling stiff")
circulation decreases
lactic acid and metabolic waste build up faster (sore muscles)
This is why so many patients say, "I didn't realize how tight I was until you touched that spot!" Our muscles literally contract to armor us, and on top of all those symptoms above, our breathing speeds up, lymph flow slows down, and our brains keep scanning for threats; it's a whole body experience that deserves a whole-body approach!
"Every time you lay on the massage table, my intention is to create a space where your body can finally let go, even if just for a moment. The Massage room a space where you don’t have to be strong, or hold it all together, or manage anyone else’s needs; it's a space where you can breathe, rest, and come back to yourself." ~Ashlee
Simple Stress Management Techniques that Actually Work
Massage (obviously I'm biased but that doesn't make it less true), intentional breathing, and grounding techniques help interrupt the stress loop and remind our bodies that we're safe and can relax. Here's a few things we can do this season, or any season, that are effective, accessible, and require almost no equipment.
1) Vagus Nerve Stimulation
These things activate the "rest and digest" side of the nervous system: humming, gentle neck stretching, splashing cool water on your face, and slow side-to-side eye movements.
2) Grounding through the Body
Place both feet on the ground and take one intentional breath. This simple action re-centers awareness and signals safety.
3) Reduce "Cortisol Stacking"
Small movements like these can help clear stress hormones: shoulder rolls, a slow walk, light stretching. These movements help tension in the body from building.
4) Prioritize Rest Rituals, Not Just Sleep
Routines and rituals create stability in an overstimulating season. Especially in times of higher stress, the body needs predictable cues. Try these things in preparation for bedtime, or take 5-10 minutes from your day (lock yourself in the bathroom if you need to!):
Dim or soften the lights
Lower sounds, like your voice or music
Put electronics away (yes, that means the phone too!) for 10 minutes at a time or 30-60 minutes before bed
Gentle self massage to your hands
Apply a warm compress to your shoulders
Ashlee PRO TIP:
Every time you switch tasks, take a 30-60 second "time-out" for your nervous system. This could be: unclenching your jaw, taking three deep breaths, or walking around. These breaks can really add up to decrease the body's response to stress.
Your body doesn't always need an hour long escape, it needs consistent moments of permission to rest.
But if you want an hour long escape that's designed to decrease stress (for you or someone else), Massage Therapy makes an excellent gift.
For an extra boost to stress management, for the month of December 2025, take 10% OFF Adrenal Complex supplement, ER911 spray, and present moment essential oil when purchased in the office.
AND take 25% OFF Massage Guns for the holidays!
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