7 Effective Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

There are plenty of things to love about the holiday season. But the holiday season isn't all cupcakes and unicorns for everyone. With large gatherings and the pressure to get everything on the table on time, holiday stress can build up.

Things don't have to be that way though. With some simple tips, you can minimize dreaded holiday stress and make it the most wonderful time of the year for you and your loved ones.

1. Have Realistic Expectations

The holidays aren't about perfection, and things may not be the same compared to years past, so abandon any sky-high expectations you might have. They're not worth the disappointment. Instead, try to distill any plans down to what matters most, and focus on one or two special activities. Then, strive to live in the present moment. Enjoy the things that are right in front of you as they unfold.

2. Keep Up Your Self-Care Routine

"You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day - unless you're too busy; then you should sit for an hour." -Old Zen Proverb

Self-care is essential, especially when you're too busy for it. When your schedule is overflowing it's easy to cut corners on self-care, but making time for the things that refresh and rejuvenate your spirit are essential.

A good self-care routine is an antidote for stress. But if it seems impossible to cut back on a packed day, consider adding hemp oil to your routine, to help ease the effects of stress.

3. Exercise (Even Just a Little)

Speaking of self-care, regular exercise is an essential part of stress reduction, especially during the holiday season, helping to maintain a healthy mood.

In fact, according to Michael Otto, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Boston University, "usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect." This means you'll feel better and be more resilient to stress, even if you only have time to go for a short walk (1).

Furthermore, exercise can also help improve the quality of your sleep, enhance your energy levels, and encourage mental alertness. All of which are great ways to gain the edge you need during your busy holiday season.

4. Get Some Sun (or Sunshine Vitamin)

Sunlight triggers a release of serotonin in the body-the hormone that's associated with an elevated mood, tranquility, and focus (2). This means you will be less likely to get overwhelmed with stress.

Plus, sunlight is one of the best ways to get vitamin D, an essential nutrient for fighting off stress effects (3). However, the sun can be in short supply over the holidays and northern latitudes make it next to impossible to make vitamin D. So, opt for a plant-based vitamin D supplement to get your sunshine vitamin.

5. Take Care of Your Immune System

Stress can decimate your immune system, at a time when you need it most. So, protect yourself by bolstering your immune system. Stronger natural immunity makes it less likely you'll get sick. Some of the best ways to take care of your immune system include:

• Getting enough vitamin D
• Eating medicinal mushrooms
• Adding in a daily green juice
• Supporting gut health with probiotics

6. Remember to Breathe (Deeply)

One of the best tactics to quickly melt away stress is to stop whatever you're doing and take several deep breaths. Focus all of your attention on these breaths. Nothing else. Continue until you feel that stress has lost some of its grip over you.

Remarkably, scientists have found that this simple strategy is exceptionally effective. One study, for example, found that deep breathing can drastically improve your mood and reduce stress (4). Deep breathing was also found to lower cortisol, the body's stress hormone.

7. Unplug & Recharge

Whether you're aware of it or not, your phone can cause a surprising amount of stress with its constant notifications. Research shows the average Apple phone user checks their phone up to 80 times per day!

According to David Greenfield, Ph.D., founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, "smartphones put us in an ever-increasing state of hyper-vigilance, where we're always feeling compelled to check our calls, texts, social media alerts, email, and more. This keeps the adrenals constantly activated and cortisol levels elevated."

Try setting aside blocks of time each day to turn off your phone, especially at meals and before bed. You may be surprised at how much it has an effect on your peace of mind once you get past the constant urge to check your phone.

Plus, taking breaks from technology can also boost your sleep quality, improve your mental wellbeing, and help increase your motivation.

The holidays should be a time for loved ones, and immersing yourself in positive energy and relaxation. But this busy time can create a lot of holiday stress. Use these strategies to reduce the effects of stress, so you can have a happy and healthy holiday.