The holidays bring joy, memories, and connection—but they can also bring stress, disrupted routines, extra sugar, busy travel schedules, and emotional overload (for both moms and kids). At Back in Line, our focus this month is on supporting your nervous system so you can enjoy the season feeling grounded, present, and healthy.

Since Dr. Alexa just shared how chiropractic adjustments help calm and regulate your nervous system, I want to expand on what YOU can do at home or while traveling to keep your stress levels low and your wellness high.

1. Supporting Stress + Focus Naturally With CALM from elev8

The holiday season often demands more mental bandwidth—juggling events, work, travel plans, and overstimulated kids.
CALM from elev8 is one of our favorite supportive supplements for:

Mental focus (especially helpful during travel or long to-do lists)
Reducing anxiety and overwhelm
Supporting relaxation and sleep
Regulating the stress response

It’s a gentle but effective formula that helps your brain shift from “frazzled” to “centered,” without sedation or sluggishness. Many patients love using CALM during busy travel days or chaotic family gatherings.

If you have questions, we’re happy to guide you on dosing and timing.

2. At-Home Stress Relief: Epsom Salt Baths for Detox + Relaxation

When your nervous system is overloaded, warm water can work wonders.
A simple 20-minute Epsom salt bath can:

Relax tight, overworked muscles
Support your body’s natural detox pathways
Boost magnesium levels (most people are deficient!)
Improve sleep quality
Calm the mind and soothe anxiety
Reduce sensory overload—especially helpful for kids after busy holiday activities

Epsom salt = magnesium sulfate, which absorbs through the skin and helps activate your parasympathetic (“rest + digest”) nervous system. Add in dimmed lights and a few deep breaths and you have a reset button for the whole family.

Tip for moms:
Let kids enjoy a warm bath before bedtime after travel days or overstimulating events. It helps them unwind, regulate, and fall asleep more easily.

3. Travel Well: Healthy Strategies for Moms + Kids on the Go

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to feel chaotic. A few intentional habits can make the journey smoother for everyone.

Pack a “Regulation Kit”

For kids and adults:

Healthy snacks (protein-focused: jerky, nuts, fruit, protein bars)
Water bottles (hydration supports mood + digestion)
Calming activities (coloring, books, fidgets, headphones)
CALM supplement for adults needing focus or stress support

Build in Movement Breaks

Every 1–2 hours, stretch, walk, or do a few body-weight movements. This prevents stiffness, fatigue, and sensory burnout.

Maintain Blood Sugar Stability

Holiday travel usually means convenience foods. Prioritize protein + fat at meals to support stable energy, fewer meltdowns (adult + kid), and less anxiety.

Use Breathwork When Overwhelmed

For you or your child:
4-second inhale → 6-second exhale, repeated 5–10 cycles, shifts the nervous system into calm mode.

4. Reduce Sugar + Simple Carbs to Support Immunity + Nervous System Health

Holiday cookies might taste magical, but high sugar intake can:

Increase inflammation
Disrupt sleep
Spike blood sugar (leading to crashes, anxiety, irritability)
Weaken immune function during prime illness season
Increase hyperactivity + sensory dysregulation in kids

Even small changes make a big difference:

Swap hot cocoa for a lower-sugar version
Keep protein strong at meals
Fill half your plate with veggies first
Choose fruit-based desserts when possible
Pause before reaching for treats out of stress or exhaustion

Your nervous system is more resilient when your blood sugar is stable.

5. Mom-Friendly Nervous System Regulation Tips (Anywhere!)

Because moms often carry the holiday workload, here are a few grounding practices:

The 60-Second Reset

Place a hand over your chest and belly → close your eyes → breathe deep for one minute. This signals safety to your brain.

“Ear Pull” Vagus Nerve Massage

Gently tug outward on the tops of your ears, then massage the area behind them. Often instantly calming.

Mini-Movement Series for Travel

Shoulder rolls
Neck circles
Cat-cow while seated
Seated forward fold
Glute or hip stretches

These help keep your spine and nervous system mobile between visits.

Hydration + Electrolytes

Magnesium-rich drinks or simple electrolytes help combat stress, travel fatigue, and sugar overload.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Peace This Holiday Season

Your nervous system is your control center—when it’s regulated, life feels lighter and more enjoyable. Supporting it with simple tools like:

CALM from elev8
Epsom salt baths
Reduced sugar
Mindful travel habits
Breathwork and movement

…can help you stay present and grounded, even in the busiest season.

If you need personalized support, guidance for your kids, or help creating a stress-resilient plan for the holidays, we’re always here for you at Back in Line Family Chiropractic & Wellness.