The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”—but if you live with chronic pain, they can also be the most demanding.
Research shows that most adults report higher stress during the holiday season, and nearly 9 in 10 say they have to lean on coping strategies just to get through it. Other surveys find that over 60% of adults say holiday stress gets in the way of enjoying the season and taking care of their health, and almost 80% admit they let their health needs slide this time of year.
If you’re managing back, neck, joint, or muscle pain—and still trying to stay active—this blog post is for you.
Stress and pain are closely connected. When stress rises, your body releases hormones like cortisol that can increase inflammation and muscle tension, which can aggravate existing pain conditions.
Add in:
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Extra time on your feet shopping or cooking
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Long car or plane rides
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Disrupted sleep
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Changes in routine and exercise
…and it’s easy to see why pain flare-ups are so common in November and December. Some pain specialists note that travel, late nights, and over-scheduling are frequent triggers for chronic pain patients this time of year.
The good news: small, intentional changes can make a big difference.
7 Holiday Survival Tips if You Live With Chronic Pain
You don’t have to opt out of the season to protect your body. Try a few of these evidence-informed strategies:
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Plan “recovery days” into your calendar
If you have big events or travel days, build in lighter days before and after. Pain experts often recommend scheduling rest days to reduce flare-ups and fatigue.
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Prioritize sleep like it’s a doctor’s order
Good sleep is one of the most powerful tools you have for managing pain. Keep a consistent bedtime, reduce caffeine later in the day, and turn screens off earlier to help your nervous system unwind.
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Pace yourself: “Half now, half later”
Break tasks into shorter blocks—wrap a few gifts, sit and rest, then do a little more. Pacing activity is a common strategy used in chronic pain management to avoid overloading joints and muscles.
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Move gently, but don’t stop moving
Reviews show that stress often leads people to move less, which can actually worsen pain over time. Short walks, light stretching, or gentle range-of-motion exercises can help keep joints lubricated and muscles less stiff.
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Ask for help and delegate
You don’t have to be the hero of every holiday task. Let others carry heavy boxes, handle some of the cooking, or drive for longer trips. Many pain specialists encourage setting realistic expectations and asking for support when you need it.
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Create a “calm corner” at gatherings
Whether it’s your bedroom or a quiet chair in the corner, give yourself a place to sit, breathe, and reset when the noise and activity start to ramp up.
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Have a reliable, non-drug pain option at home
Many people are looking for ways to manage pain without relying solely on pills or invasive procedures. Non-invasive therapies like low-level laser and gentle electrical stimulation are attracting growing interest in pain medicine.
That’s where LaserTouchOne can become a powerful part of your toolkit.
Why LaserTouchOne Fits the Holiday Season So Well
LaserTouchOne™ is the only small, handheld device that combines low-level (cold) laser therapy with gentle micro-current electrical stimulation in one portable unit.
It’s:
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Drug-free & non-invasive – No pills, needles, or messy patches.
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FDA-cleared for symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain and as an adjunct for post-surgical and post-traumatic pain, as well as minor chronic musculoskeletal pain.
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At-home & portable – Use it on your schedule, whether you’re watching a holiday movie or resting after a long day.
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Trusted by professionals – Doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists have used LaserTouchOne in their practices for years before it became available for home use.
In a clinical trial, 93% of participants who completed the study experienced pain relief using LaserTouchOne. While individual results can vary and no device can guarantee complete relief, that kind of response rate is one reason so many people keep reaching for LaserTouchOne when pain starts to interfere with life.
Holiday Relief Sale: Extra $100 Off Our Already Reduced Kits
To make it easier to take control of your pain this season, we’re offering our best pricing of the year:
Holiday Special: $100 OFF our already 30% reduced LaserTouchOne Kits
Use code JOLLY100 at checkout or click here to have the discount automatically applied. Limited time, while supplies last.
Each kit includes the LaserTouchOne device, electrode gel, charger, instructional materials, and everything you need to get started.
If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic back, neck, joint, or muscle pain—and still wants to travel, play with grandkids, golf, walk, or stay active—this may be the most practical and meaningful gift under the tree.
