🎄 Mid-December Reset: How to Finish the Year Strong (Not Stressed)
Hey everyone — it’s Dr. Dillon Hammes from Total Health Chiropractic in Coralville 👋
If you’re reading this on December 16th thinking, “How is Christmas next week already?” — you’re not alone.
This stretch of December is when I see people start running on fumes. The shopping, the parties, the late nights, the travel, the mental load… it adds up fast. And for many people, this is when stress, aches, poor sleep, and sickness finally show up.
So instead of pushing harder, this blog is your reminder to pause, reset, and finish the year strong — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Because at Total Health Chiropractic, we believe:
We are healthy by choice, not by chance.
🧠 Why Mid-December Matters More Than You Think
Most people wait until January 1st to “get back on track.”
But the body doesn’t run on calendar dates — it runs on stress, recovery, and consistency.
By mid-December:
Inflammation creeps in
Old injuries and tension flare up
Immune systems are working overtime
The goal right now isn’t perfection.
The goal is damage control and resilience.
Small decisions made now can determine how you feel heading into the new year.
😴 Sleep, Stress & the Nervous System Reset
This is the time of year when sleep quality takes a hit. Late nights, travel, alcohol, and mental overstimulation all interfere with your nervous system’s ability to calm down.
Here’s what helps most:
Keep a consistent bedtime, even if wake times change
Dim lights at night to support melatonin
Limit caffeine after noon
Stretch or decompress your spine before bed
In our clinic, we often combine chiropractic adjustments, decompression, and our Stress & Sleep Protocol to help patients reset their nervous systems — especially during the holidays.
When your nervous system is calmer, everything works better: digestion, sleep, immunity, and even mood.
🦴 Why Alignment Matters During the Holidays
December is rough on posture.
Long car rides.
Hours in the kitchen.
Couches that aren’t meant for binge-watching.
Phones in your hand nonstop.
All of that adds up to spinal tension and joint stress.
Regular chiropractic care helps keep your body adaptable during these weeks, and for patients dealing with lingering pain or inflammation, SoftWave Therapy and Red Light Therapy can support tissue recovery and circulation without adding stress to the body.
If your body feels tight, stiff, or “off” lately, that’s not weakness — it’s feedback.
🍽️ A Simple Holiday Health Mindset
You don’t need to overhaul your diet right now.
You don’t need to start a new workout plan.
You don’t need to be perfect.
Instead, try this mindset:
Eat real food when you can
Enjoy treats intentionally, not mindlessly
Move your body daily, even if it’s just a walk
Hydrate more than you think you need
Get adjusted if your body is asking for it
That’s how you stay healthy through December without burning yourself out.
And if you know your digestion, energy, or weight tends to spiral this time of year, our Food Sensitivity Testing, Gut Health Reset Program, and Weight Loss & Wellness Programs are tools — not punishments — to help you feel better, faster.
🎁 A Different Kind of Year-End Gift
One of the best gifts you can give yourself right now isn’t something wrapped.
It’s:
better sleep
less pain
more energy
fewer sick days
a calmer nervous system
If you’re in Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, or Tiffin, our team at Total Health Chiropractic is here to help you close out the year feeling strong — not stressed.
No pressure.
No guilt.
Just support.
Finish the year well.
Your January self will thank you.
— Dr. Dillon Hammes
Total Health Chiropractic
