6 Easy Ways To Beat Holiday Stress

The endless shopping crowds and lines. The sometimes intense conversations at family gatherings. The creeping personal and professional end-of-year deadlines. As exciting and wonderful as the holidays are, there’s no way about it – it is a busy and stressful time!

Your trusted compounding pharmacy near Santa Monica understands that the holidays can be stressful! That’s why we’ve gathered the top 6 helpful tips to keep you healthy and happy during this holiday season.

Boost Your Mood With Sunlight

Spend some time outdoors or near a window enjoying the sun’s mood-boosting rays! Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin and helps alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which millions of Americans experience annually.

Sniff A Citrus Fruit

Researchers have found that citrus fragrances increase feelings of well-being and relieve stress by boosting your levels of the mood-affecting hormone norepinephrine. Just slice a lemon or orange and breathe in its stress-relieving aroma.

Supplement Your Body With 5-HTP

5-HTP is a chemical compound naturally produced in your body as your body makes serotonin. Unlike a serotonin supplement, a 5-HTP supplement can cross the blood brain barrier to increase mood-regulating serotonin levels in your brain. Sold commercially as the plant extract griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP can alleviate anxiety and better your sleep. If you are currently taking antidepressant medications, talk to your physician before trying 5-HTP.

Walk It Off

Simply take a short, 30 minute walk daily to alleviate any stress. The repetition and rhythm of walking calms your brain, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.

Crack Yourself Up

Watch your favorite comedy or share your best jokes with friends and family. Laughing lowers your stress hormones which then boosts your immune system.

Put Down That Cell Phone

Turn off your cell phone and focus on spending time with your friends and family. Keeping your cell phone on – even on silent mode – means constant buzzes, social media notifications, and email alerts. You will be in a perpetual state of flight-or-fight and the bursts of adrenaline will exhaust you and contribute to your stress level.