The holidays are upon us — a time for family, friends, and holiday cheer. But, for many of us, this season also brings a big dose of stress.
From gift-giving struggles to travel headaches and the pressure to make this time of the year picture-perfect, the holidays can easily worsen our already-existing levels of chronic stress.
But what if this year was different? What if you could step off of the stress treadmill and truly enjoy the magic of the season (and every season)?
The good news? You can. By incorporating natural remedies and developing a holistic approach to well-being, you can break free from the grip of chronic stress and reclaim your inner peace. We’re here to show you how.
Understanding Chronic Stress
Chronic stress isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed during the holidays. It’s a constant, low-grade tension that lingers in the background, impacting everything from your sleep patterns to your physical health.
The body’s stress response isn’t a bad thing when used correctly. It’s meant to activate in times of need to protect us from harm. When you’re in perceived danger, the body temporarily activates hormones to help protect you. Once the threat has passed, the hormones return to normal levels and your stress goes away.
But, in modern-day times, we find that stressors are present way more often than just in times of need — they can sometimes feel constant. This means we remain in a state of fight-or-flight, which is incredibly damaging to our bodies.
This kind of stress weakens the immune system and puts you at higher risk of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Heart disease
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Memory and focus struggles
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
A Holistic Approach to Stress Management
There are a number of things that contribute to chronic stress. Our fast-paced modern-day lives are filled with the need to be constantly connected and also, somehow still highly productive. This creates a perpetual state of doing, with little to no opportunity to just be.
Add in work deadlines, financial stress, and relationships, and it’s easy to see how stress works its way into our lives so easily.
But your life doesn’t have to look or feel this way. You have the power to break free from chronic stress and create a life that’s filled with calm and joy.
The key? A holistic approach that addresses stress in the mind, body, and spirit.
How to Reduce Stress in the Body
What we put in our bodies plays a major role in how we manage stress. Here’s how to nourish your body for optimal stress resilience.
Prioritize whole foods: Get rid of processed foods and refined sugars in your diet that contribute to inflammation and energy crashes. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and organic proteins.
Not sure where to start and what to buy at the grocery store? Check out our Gettin’ Healthillie Bundle Course. These two courses help you navigate your groceries and also quit the calorie counting that’s adding to your stress.
Incorporate adaptogens: Natural herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help regulate your body’s stress response.
Consider adding Truvani Bliss Me Ashwagandha Tablets to your daily life. These help support your mood and energy, bringing you into a calm and happy state of mind (while also boosting your brain and sleep health).
- Don’t skip meals: Regular meals and healthy snacks keep your blood sugar stable, preventing energy dips that can make stress even worse.
Our No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Bites are a great way to get a snack that offers protein and great flavor. They feature the Truvani Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder, packed with clean ingredients and free of anything artificial.
Stay hydrated: Hydration is key for all bodily functions, including stress management. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and sip on water throughout the day.
Liven up your water (and your nutrients) by adding in a Nectar Hydration Pack. This mix helps hydrate you faster and more efficiently, and it tastes great too.
Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Even just a 30-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce stress hormones and boost your mood.
Have fun with exploring different forms of movement to see what you enjoy — every body is different! Whether it’s yoga, dancing, swimming, or the gym, any exercise can boost your endorphins and calm your stress.
Establish a sleep schedule: Quality sleep is crucial to managing stress. One of the best ways to get quality sleep is to go to bed and wake up at consistent times, even on the weekend.
It may be hard at first to train your body to do this, and that’s where Wooden Spoon Herbs Magic Magnesium comes in. Mix into water and enjoy the benefits of hydration, gut health, and a sense of calm.
How to Reduce Stress in the Mind
The mind is vital to our stress response. Here are some techniques to help calm that inner storm.
Meditate: Taking just a few minutes a day to practice mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and cultivate feelings of calm and acceptance. There are lots of guided meditation apps to help you get started, or simply search on YouTube.
Elevate your meditation experience by lighting a Grow Fragrance Palo Santo Pine Candle. This eco-friendly candle offers calm in a jar. The scent signals to your body that’s it’s time to relax.
Do deep breathing exercises: Deep, slow breaths activate the relaxation response in your body. Practice taking slow, abdominal breaths throughout the day, and especially when you feel stress coming on.
Journal: Putting pen to paper allows you to release pent-up emotions and gain clarity on your stressors. Though don’t just focus on the negative.
Also consider writing about gratitude in your journaling, reflecting on the things in life you’re grateful for. This can help train your brain to find the good in things, which is great for both short-term and long-term health.
Create a relaxing night routine: Develop a routine for the hour before bed that helps you wind down. This could mean taking a warm bath reading a book, stretching, or practicing other relaxation techniques. Aim to take your eyes off of screens at least an hour before you go to sleep.
Connect with loved ones: Strong social connections provide emotional support and can reduce stress. Spend time with friends and family who uplift you. You can do this via in-person time, phone calls, video calls, text messages, and letters.
Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. For you, this may mean taking a bath, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Find what feels best for you.
Seek professional help: If stress is overwhelming and impacting your daily life, consider seeking help from a professional therapist or counselor. They can provide you with tools to help you more easily navigate chronic stress.
With these holistic strategies, you can navigate the holiday season (and any season!) with greater ease, peace, and joy. Remember: it’s okay to set boundaries, ask for help, and say “no” to commitments that overwhelm you. By prioritizing your self-care and stress management, you can create a more peaceful life.
Check out all of our favorite stress relieving products here.
