We’re a few days out from Christmas now, and if you’re honest… your body might feel like it’s still recovering.

The big day is over. The wrapping paper has (mostly) been thrown away. The food is packed up. The toys are everywhere. And yet your system hasn’t quite caught up. You’re tired, a little foggy, and maybe even more sore or irritable than you expected to be “after the fun is done.”

Let’s talk about why that happens—and how to support yourself as you head toward the New Year.

The “after the holidays” crash is real

The holidays ask a lot of your body and nervous system, especially if you’re the one holding things together behind the scenes. Think about what the last few weeks have looked like:

Late nights getting things ready
Extra errands and “just one more stop”
Travel or hosting
More sugar, rich foods, and maybe more caffeine or alcohol than usual
Extra screen time (shopping, coordinating, work, kids)
Family dynamics and emotions—good and hard
Holding mental lists for everyone

Even if much of it was good—joyful, meaningful, fun—your nervous system doesn’t sort “good stress” vs “bad stress.” It just feels more demand.

And when that “more” piles up and never really lets off, your system eventually starts to speak up.

How post-holiday stress shows up in your body

A lot of people expect to feel tired after the holidays. But what you might not connect right away are all the other symptoms that are really your nervous system waving a little flag:

Feeling unusually wiped out
Neck and shoulder tension that won’t let go
A short fuse, more emotional than usual, or snapping at little things
Brain fog, trouble focusing, or feeling scattered
Difficulty winding down at night, even when you’re exhausted
The return of old symptoms (headaches, gut issues, pain flare-ups) you thought were behind you

That’s not you “failing at the holidays.” That’s your body saying, “I’ve been in go-go-go mode for a while, and I need help coming down from it.”

Your nervous system doesn’t know it’s “supposed” to relax now

Three days after Christmas, your calendar might finally be starting to clear. But your nervous system doesn’t get the memo automatically.

When you’ve spent weeks or months in a mild fight-or-flight state, your body gets used to that level of activation. It becomes the new normal. So even when the big day is over, your system can stay stuck in:

shallow breathing
muscle tension
racing thoughts
hypervigilance (“what am I forgetting?”)

This is why you might sit down to relax and still feel restless, anxious, or uncomfortable in your own skin. It’s not that you can’t relax—it’s that your nervous system needs help remembering how.

Where chiropractic and massage come in

This is where nervous-system-focused chiropractic care and massage therapy really shine.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic adjustments help support:

better motion in the spine and joints
more efficient communication between the brain and body
decreased mechanical stress on the nervous system

When your spine is moving better and there’s less tension in those key areas along the nervous system, your body gets a clearer signal that it’s okay to shift from survival mode into reset and repair.

Massage therapy

Massage helps:

release stored muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and low back)
support circulation and lymphatic flow
activate your “rest and digest” system
give your mind and body a clear “you can exhale now” message

Put together, chiropractic + massage give your system a real opportunity to process what it’s been carrying—physically and neurologically. It’s not just about pain relief (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about changing the state your body is living in.

Simple ways to support your body this week

While getting in for care is powerful, there are also small, realistic things you can do at home as you come down from the holiday rush:
**Hydrate:** Your body has been dealing with sugar, salt, and stress. Water helps every system function better.
**Move gently:** A short walk, some light stretching, or easy mobility work can help your body process tension.
**Protect your sleep:** Aim for a consistent bedtime, dim lights in the evening, and less scrolling before bed.
**Give yourself permission to do less:** You don’t have to organize the whole house before January 1st.
**Take a few deep breaths:** In through the nose, long slow exhale out the mouth. Repeat a few times when you feel “amped up.”
These aren’t about perfection; they’re about reminding your nervous system that it’s allowed to be safe, supported, and not “on” all the time.

As we head toward the New Year…

This time between Christmas and New Year’s can feel strange—like a blur of tired, hopeful, and reflective all at once. It’s a natural moment to ask, “How do I actually want to feel going into the next year?”

My encouragement:
Don’t wait until you’re completely burnt out to get support.

Your nervous system is what allows you to handle more good things—more memories, more connection, more life—without running on empty. Staying connected to your care is one of the best gifts you can give yourself heading into a new year.

Need a reset?

If your body is still carrying the weight of the holidays—physically, mentally, or emotionally—we’d love to help you reset.

🩷 You can book an adjustment or massage online HERE, or call the office at 724-822-1828 to grab a spot for next week.

You did a lot to make this season special for everyone else.
Let this be the moment you do something to support you, too. 🖤

After the Holidays: Why You’re Still Exhausted (and How to Reset Your Nervous System)