2 Your Health: The Hectic Holiday Life, Chronic Fatigue, and Massage

Heidi Overman

The holidays are in full swing! The mere thought of the holiday schedule is enough to induce stress!

The last month of the year is a whirlwind with activity. It serves as a period for contemplation of the year gone by, managing challenging conversations, celebrating positive news and achievements, and possibly grieving over losses. All of these experiences are condensed into only a brief period of 31 days.

It’s natural to question the necessity of self-care activities like getting a massage. However, taking the time for such treatments can be a crucial aspect of maintaining overall well-being.

Fatigue: This stress can build up, and by the end of the month, you may find yourself tense and unable to take pleasure in anything.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include prolonged and unexplained feelings of tiredness, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, insomnia, painful lymph nodes, forgetfulness, and impaired mental functions.

Taking one hour or 90 minutes out of your day can be a game changer. It is imperative that you make time for you.

Just a few of the benefits of massage, which pertain to fatigue:

Decreases fatigue

Increases relaxation

Lowers blood pressure

Decreases stress and anxiety

Increases mental clarity

Improves quality of sleep

Increases energy

Increases feeling of well-being

Why is it important to help your body relax during times like this?

We frequently overlook fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, and our general sense of well-being. We’re so intent on just “making it through” that we overlook the fact that we can’t look after others if we don’t look after ourselves.

Look at your schedule to carve out an hour to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Consider booking a massage or an acupuncture session! Both can be incredibly soothing and contribute positively to your attitude, happiness, and sense of joy, enhancing your overall well-being.

Breathe and Relax: During moments of fatigue, concentrate on your breathing. Deep and mindful breaths can assist in keeping you centered and present.

Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding that this time of year can be difficult.

Eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and cut down on caffeine.

Consuming too much sugar can disrupt your sleep and lower your energy, leading to increased consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

The holiday season is a period for everyone to come together with loved ones. Enhancing your quality of life and emotional health can be as simple as receiving a rejuvenating massage or a therapeutic acupuncture treatment.

Have a happy and stress-free holiday season, and please take care of yourself.

If you are interested in a therapeutic massage, wellness retreats, or acupuncture, please call me for an appointment at 520-639-6987. My website is www.emptycupwellness.com, and I’m located at 10132 N. Oracle Road, Suite 160, Tucson, AZ 85704, in the business park just behind Fairfield Inn.