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Mindful Momma

Simple Inspired Natural Living


5 Ways to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

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Easy ways to reduce stress so you can be more calm and relaxed during the busy and often stressful holiday season.


How to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

Thank you to Natrol for sponsoring this post.


It’s always with a mixture of excitement and anxiety that I enter the holiday season.

On one hand it’s all about indulgence, fun and family – I appreciate connecting with people I haven’t seen for a while and I love the excuse to graze on appetizers and eat rich desserts! On the other hand, there’s a crazy busyness – the shopping, the decorating, the cooking, the holiday cards – that can get pretty darn stressful. However you look at it, the holiday season is an action-packed 6 weeks unlike any other time of year.

5 Ways to Reduce Stress

To keep from looking back at the holidays as a blur, I try to build in some stress relief into my schedule. Here are 5 things you can easily do to manage stress and feel calmer this holiday season.

Meditate

I know, I know – who has the time to meditate? I’m telling you, meditation could be the most important gift you give to yourself this holiday season. It doesn’t have to take long – as little as 5 to 10 minutes of meditation can help reduce stress and give you a calm, mindful outlook on your day. When I’m feeling particularly anxious but don’t have time to meditate, I remember to take three conscious breaths – as a way to reset my attitude and move on with my day.

Tip: I use the Headspace app for a quick 10 minute mediation most mornings. 

Keep Moving

Exercise is often the first thing to go when you get busy. But here’s why exercise is especially important during stressful times: Exercise increases serotonin levels, which in turn helps boost your mood. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, some quick cardio bursts will get your heart pumping and your mood lifting. Lower impact exercises like yoga and walking are great mood boosters too. So keep that body moving to reduce stress naturally!

Tip: When I’m feeling lethargic, I get up from my desk and do a round of jumping jacks or a few burpees to snap me back into action!

How to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

Pamper Yourself

During the season of giving it can be hard to think about doing things for yourself. It may be an overused analogy, but “put on your own oxygen mask before you help anyone else”. Yep, that’s your excuse to go and pamper yourself! This could be as simple as curling up with a good book and a cup of tea (instead of cleaning the kitchen), or indulging in a massage or facial at a nearby spa. Think of something nice to do for yourself each week to help you unwind and keep you inspired. By treating yourself well, you’ll be able to make the holiday season memorable for everyone else in your life! 

Tip: For an easy at-home spa session, make my homemade lavender hand scrub.

Eat Well

Yes, you will indulge in pie and champagne – it’s the holidays after all! But instead of going into a food coma, the key is to make everything else you eat even healthier than usual. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein, healthy fats and important vitamins and minerals to boost your energy and your mood. Mood boosting foods include salmon, turkey, nuts and seeds, dairy products and many fruits and vegetables. At home, I focus on making healthy meals for my family, knowing that treats are more frequent than usual. At parties, I hit up the veggie tray first and then go for whatever indulgent treat catches my eye! The detox starts in January….

Tip:  Looking for healthy recipes? I’ve got a Pinterest board full of them!

Sleep 

Aaaah sleep! It’s something we love but don’t always get enough of – especially during the holidays. During stressful times, it’s more important than ever to get those z’s. Think of sleep as the backbone for a healthy body – without it you would fall flat. Set yourself up for a good night’s sleep with good nighttime habits like avoiding caffeine, turning off screens and allowing for quiet time before you turn off the lights. Melatonin can also be a great supplement to use when dealing with holiday travel and disruptions to your sleep schedule.

Tip: Diffuse a relaxing aromatherapy blend in your bedroom for about 20 minutes before you want to go to sleep.

How to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

 

How 5-HTP Can Help

How to Reduce Stress This Holiday SeasonHave you heard of 5-HTP? I only recently learned of it myself. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a drug-free and naturally-occurring amino acid that is derived from the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. The primary benefit of 5-HTP is that it enables the body to produce serotonin, the chemical messenger that plays a key role in enhancing mood. 

So you can see how 5-HTP could be a great supplement to add to your routine this holiday season. In my opinion, supplements aren’t a substitute for healthy habits, but can be very complementary. In addition to the suggestions I made above, 5-HTP can help promote a calm and relaxed mood, during a stressful time of year!

I’ve been taking Natrol 5-HTP supplements for the past 3 weeks or so. It’s a time of year when I often get into a funk, given the time change and decreasing daylight. Yet lately, my mood has been very positive! I do think the supplement is helping!

Natrol 5-HTP supplements are also 100% drug free (non-habit forming) and available in fast dissolve, time release tablets and capsules.

You can find Natrol supplements online, and at many local stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid, Costco, Sprouts and other natural food stores.

Giveaway

How to Reduce Stress This Holiday SeasonBecause I really want you to be able to enjoy this holiday season, I’m giving away a wonderful gift of relaxation! One lucky reader will win a Pamper Her gift set plus a bottle of Natrol 5-HTP! The set includes the following items:

  • Eucalyptus & Peppermint Foot Soak (certified cruelty-free)
  • Rosehip & French Clay Facial Mask (certified cruelty-free)
  • Hand Knit, Certified Organic Cotton Wash Cloth (fair-trade)
  • Lavender Essential Oil Bath Salts
  • Damask Rose & Cypress Votive Candle (organic soy)
  • Blue Lotus & Sicilian Orange Room Spray

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. (Winner must be over 18 years and have a U.S. mailing address.) Giveaway goes through midnight central time, Friday, November 30th.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Education, Giveaways, Health, Health Remedies, Holidays, Natural Living Tagged With: giveaway, meditation, Natrol, stress relief, supplements

About Micaela

Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.

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Comments

  1. Dee says

    November 21, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Excited about the basket, thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply
  2. Karrie says

    November 21, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    drinking a cup of tea on the patio

    Reply
  3. Heather S says

    November 21, 2017 at 6:39 pm

    I love to take baths, drink tea and read my book 🙂

    Reply
  4. Anung says

    November 22, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Oh man, I’m going to be using this list till the new year.

    Reply
  5. Holly | Legally Crafty Blog says

    November 22, 2017 at 9:44 am

    Self-care is definitely important for the holidays!! Great tips!

    Reply
  6. Carin says

    November 22, 2017 at 9:53 am

    These are WONDERFUL tips! Eating well, despite all the cookies, cocktails and sweets that fall in my path, is so important. I also find that taking time for myself and committing to a daily meditation practice is good for balance and my soul!

    Reply
  7. Louise says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:07 am

    I love your blog. I do all these things every single day to keep my stress away. I wake up at 5, go to the gym and work out for an hour, home and make breakfast for the fam, work a little, do some yoga with my kids, play. lunch and so on, I try to keep moving, stay active and prepare my day and get tons of fresh air. For me it’s all about staying active and move! Hope you have a great holiday. <3

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Thank you for the helpful tips! Great reminder as the holiday season rushes in! I’m a big believer in getting plenty of sleep. It makes a huge difference!

    Reply
  9. Minja says

    November 22, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    This is very useful information. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  10. Kelley H says

    November 22, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    My favorite way to relax during the holiday season is to find a quiet spot and read a chapter or two of a good book.

    Reply
  11. Michele Cupp says

    November 22, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    I love to cuddle up during a blanket with a hot cocoa and a good movie.

    Reply
  12. adriana says

    November 23, 2017 at 12:06 am

    I like to read a book or listen to music.

    Reply
  13. Linda says

    November 23, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I love taking nice long baths!

    Reply
  14. sarah s says

    November 23, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    I like to sit down with a cup of coffee and read a book or/and listen o my favorite type of music.

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth says

    November 23, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    I like to relax by not over planning or over scheduling myself. Keep it low key!

    Reply
  16. nickie says

    November 23, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    I like to read or nap

    Reply
  17. Azeem Isaahaque says

    November 24, 2017 at 12:51 am

    My favorite way to relax is in my bath tub

    Reply
  18. Sarah Peluso says

    November 24, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    we like to relax in a hot tub or hot bath

    Reply
  19. Debbie Yoder says

    November 24, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    I like to relax by puting my feet up,have a cup of hot tea and listen to some music! TY for the nice giveaway!

    Reply
  20. Molly says

    November 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    I relax by hibernating!

    Reply
  21. greentopiaries says

    November 25, 2017 at 3:37 am

    My favorite way to relax in the winter months is taking a long stroll in the crisp, cool morning air – it doesn’t get too cold here. Thanks for the chance! 🙂

    Reply
  22. DeAnna Keller says

    November 25, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    Lay on the couch with my dogs and watch a good Christmas movie!

    Reply
  23. Julie says

    November 25, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    baths are extremely relaxing for me!

    Reply
  24. Donna says

    November 26, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I love reading surrounded by candles!

    Reply
  25. Julie says

    November 26, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    I love reading by the fireplace

    Reply
  26. Kathy bergman says

    November 26, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    I love to cuddle up in my purple Afghan ive had forever and have a cup Ohio Hotmail cocoa

    Reply
    • Kathy bergman says

      November 26, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      That should say have a cup of hot cocoa

      Reply
  27. Vera K says

    November 27, 2017 at 6:23 am

    My favorite way to relax is to go to a yoga class.

    Reply
  28. Jeanne Coulombe says

    November 27, 2017 at 8:22 am

    A long hot bubble bath with lite candles and music playing low

    Reply
  29. Mindy says

    November 27, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    I get in a funk too. This seems like a great basket to help this!

    Reply
  30. Tara L says

    November 27, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    I used to always love to read a good book before bed time that way it puts me to sleep. Thanks for the giveaway. I’m excited!

    Reply
  31. Stephanie says

    November 28, 2017 at 1:33 am

    I relax by curling up with my furbaby.

    Reply
  32. Michel says

    November 29, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I love sitting by the fire with a good book!

    Reply
  33. Gwendolyn Jordan says

    November 29, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    A glass of wine and watching Christmas movies

    Reply
  34. Sert says

    November 29, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I take a long bath and bring a nice book with me!

    Reply
  35. Helen Cain says

    November 26, 2019 at 7:40 am

    Love the basket full of goodies. Everything sounds wonderful.

    Reply

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Hi there – I’m Micaela!

Micaela Preston I can help you create a healthy, non-toxic, natural lifestyle without a ton of stress!
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