The holiday period brings long, bright days, warm weather, and plenty of social activity. And it can also place extra load on your nervous system. Even positive stress (travel, organising events, being around more people, disrupted routines) can shift the body toward a more activated, fight or flight -state. This often shows up as muscle tension, headaches, poor sleep, digestive discomfort, or that sense of being “wired but tired” and not able to relax.
The good news is that small, gentle practices can help you stay regulated and grounded throughout the season. A few of my favourites:
• Take a few deep, slow breaths in to your belly, with extra long exhalation
Even a minute of diaphragmatic breathing helps down-shift the nervous system.
• Use nature as a reset button
A quiet moment with bare feet on grass or sand can help bring your system back into balance.
• Build small pauses into the busy days
A short walk, a stretch after the beach, or simply sitting somewhere quiet for a few minutes can calm both body and mind.
Most importantly, remember that this time of year isn’t about perfect routines or strict rules. It’s about maintaining balance, not chasing perfection. You don’t need to adhere to strict routines or abandon your habits totally. Keeping a few supportive practices in place while enjoying the holidays can make a big difference.
Aim for simple consistency: hydrate well, rest when you can, listen to your body’s cues, and give yourself permission to slow down when needed. These small choices help your nervous system recover, your muscles stay more relaxed, prevent injuries, and your energy remain steady heading into the new year.
If you notice increased tension, headaches, or a sense that your system isn’t settling, osteopathic treatment can help restore balance and ease. I’m here to support you through the season so you can enjoy the summer feeling grounded, calm, and well.
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