5 Ways to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

Here are five ways to reduce and better cope with stress and anxiety this season.

1. Improve your diet.

The mind and body need the right fuel to handle increased stress. We suggest cutting back on white sugar and prepared foods and adding more organic fruits and veggies, nuts, free-range beef, chicken and wild fish into your diet. Also, be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially as the weather turns colder.

2. Get more rest and exercise.

While these might sound like complete opposites, rest and exercise go hand-in-hand. Getting enough sleep will improve your ability to work out, and working out will help improve your sleep. We suggest getting seven or more hours of sleep a night and squeezing in a midday nap if you can. Exercising regularly, even just a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, will increase your endorphin levels, divert your attention from stressful tasks, lower your blood pressure and overall improve your mood.

3. Turn off your phone.

This might be a challenge, but we assure you it’s worthwhile. According to a 2018 report from Nielsen, Americans spend more than 11 hours a day interacting with media, whether on phones, televisions or computers. Research has linked increased screen time to an uptick in stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and even depression. With this in mind, consider spending more face-to-face time with friends. When you’re out to dinner or at a holiday party, turn off your phone and focus your attention on spending time with the people you love.

4. Relax with essential oils and supplements.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, melatonin may serve as a helpful sleep aid. Ashwagandha, a type of herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to have some anti-stress properties. Essential oils, such as lavender, can also help you relax. During times of stress, we suggest taking supplements such as vitamin C and zinc.

5. Enjoy your holiday “chores.”

There’s really no reason you can’t enjoy the extra tasks we take on during the holidays. Stressed about the hassles of shopping? Make it a date and ask a friend to meet you at the mall. Dreading the in-laws’ visit? Take some time to get to know them better. Not sure you can manage another holiday gathering? Substitute an elaborate party with smaller get-togethers to avoid the fuss.

While there’s no escaping the holiday chaos, we hope these tips help you better manage your stress and anxiety this season.

John Walczyk is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email john@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.