How to Manage Holiday Stress: 5 Practical Tips and 2 Natural Supplements for Calmness

Paula Gallagher on 12/26/2024

Family and friends enjoying a festive holiday dinner with sparklers and warm decorations.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection. However, it can also bring stress and overwhelm. Between planning gatherings, managing finances, and meeting everyone's expectations, it's easy to feel frazzled. The good news? There are practical strategies and natural remedies to help you navigate this busy season with ease.

Why the Holiday Season Causes Stress (And How to Overcome It)

Holidays often come with a mix of excitement and pressure. Here are the most common stressors:

Financial concerns: Buying gifts or hosting events can strain budgets.
Time constraints: Packed schedules and limited downtime add to the pressure.
Family dynamics: Tensions may arise during family gatherings.
Unrealistic expectations: Striving to create the "perfect" holiday experience often leads to disappointment.

How to Address Them: By recognizing these stressors, you can take proactive steps to minimize their impact. Let’s dive into five effective tips to help you manage holiday stress.

5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

1. Plan and Prioritize

Create a realistic plan for holiday activities. List tasks, such as shopping to cooking, and prioritize the most important ones.
Set a budget to avoid financial stress, and stick to it.
Delegate tasks to family or friends to share the workload.

Why It Works: A clear plan reduces last-minute scrambling and helps you feel in control.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Slow down and stay present in the moment with techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Quick mindfulness tip: Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on your surroundings for two minutes.

Why It Works: Mindfulness lowers cortisol (stress hormones) levels and improves emotional regulation.

3. Set Boundaries

Say "no" to activities or events that overwhelm you.
For example, if attending back-to-back parties leaves you drained, prioritize the ones that truly matter.

Why It Works: Setting healthy boundaries prevents burnout and helps you prioritize your well-being.

4. Stick to Healthy Habits

Exercise: Even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood.
Nutrition: Balance festive treats with nutritious meals to stabilize blood sugar and energy levels.
Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to recharge your body and mind.

Why It Works: Maintaining physical health supports mental well-being, reducing the risk of stress escalation.

5. Focus on Connection Over Perfection

Let go of perfectionism: Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread, and gifts don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.
Celebrate connection over appearances: Spend quality time with loved ones, share laughter, and create memories.
Practice gratitude and joy: Engage in heartfelt conversations and express appreciation for the people in your life.

Why It Works: Strong social connections boost oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and promotes feelings of security.

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Ashwagandha is a beloved herb in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia that has recently gained popularity outside of Ayurveda—and for good reason. While Ashwagandha brings a long list of benefits to the body, it is historically known as an Adaptogen. Ashwagandha supports the body’s resiliency to stress, while it also brings the amazing ability to energize and calm at the same time. Ashwagandha Extract is believed to help create and maintain vitality, energy, rejuvenation, and to avoid insomnia and other nervous conditions. The plant, scientifically designated as Withania somnifera, grows throughout India, the Middle East, and in parts of Africa. It contains steroidal lactones known as withanolides, which have been shown through scientific studies to be responsible for the health-promoting benefits of the plant.Features Standardized Ashwagandha Extract from Sabinsa, a world leader in Ayurvedic herbal extracts 500mg per capsule, standardized to 7% Withanolides Standardized Ashwagandha Extract has been used in numerous clinical studies, continuously showing its effectiveness against inflammation for over 40 years Gluten Free, Non GMO and Vegan Contains No dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, eggs, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors Benefits Ashwagandha Extract 500 mg Supports Energy and a Healthy Response To Stress. Helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. Helps reduce fatigue and improve energy. Acts as an adaptogen, helping to maintain the body’s healthy response to physiological and psychological stress. Helps maintain mental focus and acuity. Helps improve physical performance and strength. Helps maintain a positive outlook. Helps promote restful sleep. Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Helps mitigate oxidative injury caused by nervous tension.

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The Best Natural Supplements for Holiday Stress Relief

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps regulate cortisol levels, promoting a calmer response to stress.

Research: Studies have shown that ashwagandha can reduce stress by up to 44% in individuals with chronic anxiety.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for relaxation and stress reduction. It supports muscle relaxation, calms the nervous system, and improves sleep quality.

Research: Studies indicates that magnesium supplementation can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Creating a Joyful Holiday Season

The holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming. By planning ahead, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and sticking to healthy habits, you can create a season filled with joy and connection. Adding supplements like ashwagandha and magnesium to your routine can provide extra support, helping you stay calm and centered.

If holiday stress is affecting your health or well-being, we’re here to help! Book a consultation with one of our wellness experts today and discover personalized solutions for managing stress this holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Holiday Stress

What are the best natural remedies for holiday stress?

Natural remedies like mindfulness, exercise, and adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha can help reduce stress. Magnesium supplements are also effective for promoting relaxation.

How can I stay calm during family gatherings?

Set healthy boundaries, focus on meaningful connections, and practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing to stay calm during potentially stressful interactions.

Is magnesium safe to take daily for stress relief?

Yes, magnesium is generally safe when taken as directed. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on the right dosage.

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