10 Neurological Health Tips for the Holidays

December 13, 2024
A woman wearing a Christmas sweater sits at a desk with a pen in hand, looking stressed, while a decorated Christmas tree is visible in the background.

The holiday season often means spending time with loved ones, dinners, celebrations, and more. However, it can also bring some stress, poor sleep, and lifestyle disruptions that can have an impact on your neurological health. By adopting simple, practical habits, you can enjoy the festivities while taking care of your brain health. From managing stress to incorporating brain-boosting foods into your diet,these tips can help pave the way to a healthier holiday season. 

Why is Neurological Health Important During the Holidays? 

Neurological health impacts everything from thought processes and memory to coordination and emotional stability. During the holiday seasons, it is not unusual to sometimes feel overextended with packed schedules, family visits, excessive socializing, and indulging in less healthy foods. Here are some tips to maintain balance amid the holidays while protecting your neurological health: 

Prioritize Stress Management 

Stress and the holidays often go hand in hand, but chronic stress can have a heavy toll on your neurological system. To help counteract this, it is recommended to incorporate practices like mindfulness, yoga, and daily meditation into your routine to help you stay grounded. Finding an activity that you enjoy and gives you time to breathe can help to keep your health in check amid the busiest time of the year. 

  1. Get Good Sleep 

    2. Sleep is important for neurological recovery, memory consolidation, and overall brain function. Creating a bedtime routine that avoids screen time at least an hour before bed and focuses on relaxing activities like reading or stretching can improve sleep. 

  2. Stay Physically Active 

    3. Moderate physical activity can help to enhance blood flow to the brain, promoting the release of endorphins that help to stabilize your mood. The activity could be anything from a brisk walk in the morning, a yoga session in the afternoon, or some fun family activities outdoors. Staying active can help improve your brain health and reduce stress. 

  3. Eat Brain-Boosting Foods

    4. The temptation of holiday treats can make it challenging to maintain a balanced diet. However, incorporating brain-boosting foods like walnuts, fatty fish, and berries into your meals can help to give your nervous system the extra support it needs. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants benefit neurological health, making them a good choice to add to your next meal. 

  4. Stay Well Hydrated 

    5. With never-ending cups of coffee and eggnog, it can be easy to forget to drink water. However, staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining good neurological health. The goal is to get lots of healthy fluids like water throughout the day.

  5. Limit Alcohol & Sugary Drinks

    6. A few glasses of wine and the odd holiday cocktail or two may sound good, and they can be, but overindulging in alcohol may lead to neurological stress. Similarly, sugary drinks can lead to energy crashes that impact focus. Instead, try to opt for more teas, or flavoured sparkling water to keep your drink choices brain-friendly. 

    A woman sleeps peacefully in bed with soft holiday lights glowing in the background, emphasizing relaxation and stress relief during the holidays.

  6. Engage Your Mind 

    7. Engaging with stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, and crosswords is a good way to keep your brain active during the holidays. Mental challenges, even for only a few minutes daily, help strengthen neural pathways and improve cognitive resilience. 

  7. Connect with Loved Ones 

    8. Reconnecting with loved ones and spending time together can improve mental and emotional well-being. Spending quality time with friends and family has shown to release a so-called “bonding or cuddle hormone,” which helps reduce the effects of stress on the brain. 

  8. Practice Gratitude 

    9. The holidays can be a great time to reflect on the things that you are most thankful for. Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mental health and reduce negative emotions. Starting a gratitude journal can be a good way to start, even if it means only jotting down one or two things per day. 

  9. Plan Ahead

    10. Planning during the holidays can help reduce stress and improve overall brain health. By organizing tasks like shopping, cooking, and scheduling events in advance, you can avoid the mental overwhelm of last-minute preparations. Prioritizing and breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps keep your mind clear and focused, leaving more room to enjoy the season. 

  10. Take Time for Yourself

    11. Don’t underestimate the value in finding some “me-time,” despite all the hustle and bustle that typically comes with the holiday season. Even if it’s just a few minutes to read a few pages of your book by the fire or take a walk in nature, it can help you to recharge and rest your brain.

    Prioritize Neurological Health as a Year-Round Focus

    The holiday season is an opportunity to connect with family, celebrate successes, and eat delicious food– but it doesn’t need to be at the cost of your neurological health. By following these 10 tips, you can help maintain a clear mind, emotional balance, and stress-free holiday while enjoying the special time. 

    Looking for more personalized advice or resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to Neuro Health Calgary for a consultation with Dr. Alma Nenshi DC today!