The Hidden Cost of Holiday Stress: Why You Feel It in Your Bones (Literally)

Written by Akira Medical Imaging + Wellness | Dec 22, 2025 5:50:25 PM

Does holiday stress actually damage your bones? Yes. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which acts like a "stop work" order for your bone-building cells while simultaneously speeding up the "demolition" crew that breaks bone down. For women over 35, this effect is amplified by hormonal shifts, making stress management a vital part of protecting your long-term skeletal strength.

The holidays are officially here! It is a season of joy, connection, and let’s be honest, a whole lot of pressure. If you are a woman between 35 and 65, you are likely the MVP of the "sandwich generation," juggling growing children, aging parents, and your own career. It is a beautiful life, but right now, it can feel like a pressure cooker.

At Akira Medical Imaging + Wellness, we know that while you are busy taking care of everyone else, your body is keeping score. Holiday stress isn't just "in your head,” it has real physiological roots. We are here to be your partner in navigating this season, serving as a sanctuary for your overall well-being.

Let’s pause the gift wrapping for a moment and look at the science of why you’re feeling this way, and how to get your spark back.

Why Do I Feel Like I’m Running on Empty?

First, give yourself some grace. Feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you are bad at organizing; it often reflects what experts call "high allostatic load.” Think of this as the cumulative mileage on your car engine. While a short burst of stress (like traffic) is fine, the chronic, weeks-long stress of the holidays keeps your engine revving in the red zone.

For women in midlife, there is a biological twist:

The Buffer is Thinning: Historically, estrogen acts as a "shock absorber" for your stress response system.
The Shift: As estrogen levels naturally dip during perimenopause and menopause, you lose that protective buffer.
The Result: You might find it takes longer to "bounce back" after a stressful day. This isn't a character flaw; it’s biology!

The "Renovation" Analogy: How Stress Talks to Your Skeleton

Here is where the science gets fascinating (and where we can get a little cheeky). We know stress affects sleep and mood, but did you know it affects your skeleton? This connection is studied in a field called osteoneuroimmunology.

Your bones are like a house that is constantly under renovation. You have a "construction crew" (osteoblasts) building new bone and a "demolition crew" (osteoclasts) clearing away the old stuff. Usually, they work in perfect harmony. But when chronic stress hits, it throws the whole job site into chaos:

The "Stop Work" Order: High levels of cortisol act like a tough foreman shutting down the project. It tells the construction crew to stop building, inhibiting the cells responsible for new growth.
The Demolition Spree: Meanwhile, stress signals tell the demolition crew to work overtime. Your body starts breaking down old bone faster than usual.
The Net Effect: The teardown happens faster than the rebuild. Over time, this leads to a reduction in bone density, like a house being taken apart quicker than it’s repaired.

How to Check the "Receipts" (and Find Peace of Mind)

Knowledge is power. If you are concerned about how lifestyle and stress are impacting your body, a Bone Density (DEXA) Scan at Akira is the gold standard for checking your bone health.

Think of a DEXA scan as checking the "receipts." It frames your scan not just as a medical test, but as a way to see how life’s stress might be impacting your body. It allows you to take proactive steps to protect your future mobility.

Your Stress Management Toolkit: Reset Your System

You can't always control the chaos of the season, but you can control your response. Here are two science-backed ways to switch your body from "fight or flight" back to "rest and digest."

1. The "Meta-Boundary": If you are a people pleaser, setting boundaries can feel scary. Try a "meta-boundary,” a rule about how you discuss your choices.

For Food Pushers: "I’ve made my decision on what I'm eating, and I need you to respect it without comment."
For Financial Stress: "I’m keeping my spending focused this year, so I won’t be participating in the big gift exchange."

2. Manual Reset: Book a Massage Sometimes, you just need a professional to help you hit the reset button. At Akira, massage therapy is a therapeutic intervention for your nervous system. We are proud to offer services with Karine Meunier, LMT.

Swedish & Relaxation Massage: Perfect for lowering heart rate and soothing general burnout.
Oncology Massage: A safe, specialized modality for those navigating cancer treatment or survivorship.

Important Booking Info: Massage therapy is offered separately from our medical services to ensure a dedicated focus on your relaxation. To schedule, please contact Karine directly at (518) 763-8444.

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