Why Holiday Fatigue Causes Physical Pain | Arvada, CO

The holiday season is full of joy, lights, and celebrations, but it’s also one of the busiest, most stressful times of the year. Between juggling family gatherings, decorating, end-of-year deadlines, and hosting responsibilities, it’s no surprise that many of us end December feeling physically exhausted and run down.

At our multidisciplinary clinic serving Arvada, CO, we see firsthand how this “holiday fatigue” shows up not just as tiredness — but as increased pain, stiffness, poor sleep, and inflammation. Understanding how stress impacts your body can help you feel better before the new year arrives.

How Holiday Stress Affects Your Body

Stress doesn’t just make you feel overwhelmed, it triggers physical responses in your body. During the holidays, increased stress often leads to stress-related pain and tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and lower back.

1. Sleep Disruption Increases Pain & Fatigue: Poor sleep is one of the most common complaints this time of year. When you don’t get enough rest, your muscles don’t recover and your nervous system stays in a heightened stress state. This can amplify headaches, back pain, neck tension, and overall fatigue.

2. Inflammation Rises With Stress and Poor Habits: Late nights, sugary treats, and rich meals - all parts of holiday culture - can increase inflammation. Chronic inflammation can worsen joint stiffness and delay healing from minor aches.

3. Tight Muscles from Stress or Poor Sleep: When your body is tired or stressed, muscle groups like the upper back, shoulders, and neck tense up. This can lead to more frequent flare-ups of pain.

5 Practical Tips to Manage Physical Holiday Fatigue

Here’s how you can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and support your body through the December hustle:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep, go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. A cool, dark room and a screen-free hour before bed can help your body relax and restore.

2. Eat Inflammation-Friendly Foods: Balance treats with meals rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and leafy greens. Avoid heavy, late-night meals that can disrupt sleep cycles.

3. Move Your Body Gently Every Day: Light stretching, a brisk walk, or gentle mobility exercises improve circulation and reduce stiffness, even on busy days.

4. Practice Stress-Reducing Habits: Simple breathing exercises, journaling, or a short mindfulness break can lower stress hormones that contribute to pain.

5. Be Mindful of Evening Routines: Try to wind down earlier in the evening, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and keep evening snacks light to help your body prepare for restorative sleep.

When to Seek Professional Support

If fatigue and muscle tension are interfering with your daily activities, it may be time to talk with a specialist. Our multidisciplinary team in Arvada, CO offers personalized care to help your body recover from fatigue-related pain, stress, and stiffness. In addition to addressing pain, our team also focuses on preventative care and wellness services designed to help patients stay healthy, reduce flare-ups, and maintain mobility throughout the year.

Whether you need physical therapy to improve movement and reduce pain, chiropractic support for spinal alignment, massage therapy, or preventative wellness care to help you enjoy the holidays pain-free, we’re here for you.

Local Care in Arvada, CO: Arvada Sport and Spine Group - Comprehensive medical, physical therapy, chiropractic, and massage care.

Feeling physically drained during December isn’t “just in your head.” It’s a real combination of stress, sleep disruption, inflammation, and daily demands that can impact your body and mood. With mindful habits and proper care, you don’t have to wait until January to start feeling better.

Wishing you a healthier, happier holiday season!
- Your Arvada Wellness Team