Happiness is a strong indicator of overall well-being. The holiday season is a time for joy, love, and togetherness. This year, traditions will be hard to keep up and we may not be able to be around our loved ones.  Research continues to demonstrate that a positive, happy mindset contributes to a healthy lifestyle — not just the other way around. Positivity actually helps the body decrease levels of inflammation.

Below are practical tips to help you stay mentally tough throughout the holiday season.

Laugh often.

Did you know that laughter actually has physiological benefits? A study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine showed that laughing causes blood vessels to naturally dilate, which improves blood flow. This allows your veins and arteries to function at full capacity. Gather with loved ones or watch a funny holiday movie to reap the healthy benefits of laughter.

Keep sweating.

If you have an exercise routine, stick to it. If you don’t, then start one today. Exercising causes the brain to release endorphins that make you feel better. High-intensity, short-duration surge training can elicit this feel-good effect without taking a chunk of time away from your day. Surge training also offers the benefit of the after burn effect, in which the body continues to burn calories for up to 48 hours after exercise is completed. These two effects combine to help you stay positive during the holidays, while also fighting seasonal weight gain.

Get adjusted.

If one of your vertebrae is pinching or otherwise damaging your spinal cord — especially in your neck — you can experience symptoms of illness or constant aching. Prolonged aches, pains, and sickness can cause significant mental stress and wear you down physically. Specific spinal correction can help repair this damage and restore the natural curvature of your spine. Once your spinal health is restored, your body and mind can resume operating to their fullest potential.