Take of the Pressure off this Holiday Season: The Top 5 Tips for Reducing Stress

1. Take a Breather

Holiday parties, shopping, meal prepping, and more. This time of the year is full of lots of wonderful experiences and get-togethers. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself to recharge. Feelings of stress can come on strong when we are overwhelmed with multiple commitments and ‘To-Dos’. Your best bet to beat the stress? Take a 15 minute break. Go for a short walk. Listen to some soothing music. Strike a couple of your favorite Yoga poses. The possibilities are endless!

2. Be realistic

The holidays don’t have to be perfect or happen just like they did last year. Families and traditions evolve and grow over time. Letting go of the idea that you have to create to perfect holiday experience will help you reduce your stress and enjoy this time of the year. For example if you are use to having a big family get together but this year not every one can join in, find other ways to celebrate together. Meet up before or after the holiday or share videos and pictures through email. It might end up being your new favorite tradition.

3. Eat Healthy!

Keeping a balanced diet full of fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats gives your body the nutrients it needs to manage and reduce stress. When your diet starts lacking in healthy foods your body will have a tougher time dealing with stress. Already feeling stressed out? Enjoy some avocados that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood or snack on some nuts that are packed full of relaxing B Vitamins & magnesium. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin C, such as camu camu, have also been shown to help manage stress and normalize cortisol levels._¹

4. Get some Shut Eye

One of the best ways to manage stress is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Holiday events usually come back to back and while at the time it may seem like a good idea to miss that shut eye in order to have another night out with friends, think again. Sleep is your body’s time to rejuvenate and repair itself. Missing out on those Zzzs will cause a spike in your stress hormones leading to fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and you guessed it more stress. Shoot for 8 hours a night.

5. Take the Time to Give Back

Giving is one of the most rewarding acts you can do. Whether it be your gifts, time, money, or donating items, giving to others has been shown to uplift people’s moods, reduce stress, and even promote longevity._² Check in with local soup kitchens, schools, homeless shelters, and non-profits for volunteer opportunities.

Related: Stressed? These superfoods can help normalize blood pressure

Sources:

1. Stress and Your Diet. Everyday Health Website. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition-pictures/how-to-reduce-stress-with-diet.aspx#09.

2. Poulin M, Brown S, Dillard A, Smith D. Giving to Others and the Association Between Stress and Mortality. Am J Public Health. 2013;103(9):1649-1655.

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.