How to Defeat Holiday Stress

It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holiday season might sometimes make you feel a little bah-humbug. Planning the parties. Family coming to town – all of them. Buying gifts on the credit card. Even in good times, stress is something we cannot escape. And unless contained and controlled, stress can take physical and emotional tolls on you.
When you’re under stress, you may find it harder to eat healthy. You become a stress-eater: someone who eats in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs, even when you’re not hungry. Most of the time, you’re not reaching for celery stalks – out come the cookies, candy canes and every other non-healthy holiday option.
Plus, your body’s hormones begin to get out of whack. Your adrenal glands – which give the body bursts of strength and energy – kick in more frequently, which can lead to fatigue, sluggishness and imbalanced blood sugar levels. Plus, constant stress can cause the body to create and store more fat. Combined with stress-eating, your body begins to gain excess belly, which is known to be a bit harder to lose. This combination – can lead to excess holiday weight gain, a major reason the weight loss industry comes alive after the holidays (New Year’s Resolution, anyone?).
In addition to the physical problems, excess stress leads to quick loss of temper, outbursts and difficulty with focus. Plus, who wants to feel more frustration, anxiety and tired around the holidays? You want to enjoy your holidays, meaning you need to cut your stress levels as much as possible. Here are some tips and techniques on how to deal with stress so it doesn’t get the best of you this holiday season:

• Before eating, ask yourself why you’re eating — are you truly hungry or do you feel stressed or anxious?
• If you’re tempted to eat when you’re not hungry, find a distraction.
• Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.
• Practice relaxation skills, such as yoga, massage or meditation.
• Engage in regular physical activity or exercise.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Get encouragement from supportive friends and family.

Supplements have also been studied for their affects on relieving stress, with certain ingredients being shown to have an impact on stress levels:

• L-Theanine: A major amino acid found in green tea, theanine has historically been used for its relaxing effects. It is believed theanine may work for relaxation by promoting normal levels of Gamma Amino Butyric Acid and serotonin.
• Rhodiola: Also called roseroot, this ingredient has long been associated with increasing the body’s resistance to the harmful effects of stressors, in addition to its potential for supporting learning and memory.
• Ashwagandha: An Indian herb also known as Winter Cherry, its antioxidant and sedative properties have been proven to help inhibit occasional fatigue, boost energy, promote emotional well-being and counteract the negative effects of stress.
• Passion Flower Extract: Research suggests apigenin – a flavonoid found in passion flower – can bind to receptors in the brain, possibly causing relaxation and helping regulate mood without impairing memory or motor skills.

The season is meant to bring the best out of everyone, not the worst. It’s about family, friends, and fellowship. Following these tips can help ensure that the holidays don’t stress you out.

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