Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
The holiday season can be a joyful time, filled with family gatherings, delicious food, and festive celebrations. But for many of us, it’s also a time of increased stress and anxiety. Between packed schedules, financial pressures, and the expectation to make everything perfect, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you find yourself struggling with holiday anxiety, you’re not alone—and there are natural ways to find relief. At our integrative clinic Studio B, we believe in a holistic approach to managing stress, using tools like physical movement and mindful nutrition to keep you grounded and calm. Here’s how you can use movement and meals to manage holiday anxiety and make this season a little more peaceful.
Movement: Release Tension and Boost Mood
One of the best ways to manage anxiety is through movement. When we’re stressed, our body holds onto that tension, creating tight muscles, shallow breathing, and a heightened nervous system. Physical activity helps release this tension and brings our body back into balance. But remember, movement doesn’t have to mean an intense workout. It’s about finding activities that work for you and fit into your life.
Here are three simple ways to incorporate movement into your holiday routine:
- Take a Walk Outside: A brisk walk in fresh air can work wonders for your mood and mental clarity. If you can, find a spot in nature—like a park or trail—where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Nature has a calming effect on our nervous system, and the gentle exercise of walking helps release pent-up tension.
- Stretch or Practice Gentle Yoga: Certain stretches, especially those that open the chest, shoulders, and hips, can help release areas where we commonly hold stress. Simple poses like child’s pose or a forward fold can bring a sense of calm and grounding, especially when paired with deep breathing. These movements are gentle yet effective, helping you feel more centered.
- Dance It Out: This might sound silly, but dancing is a fantastic stress-reliever. Put on your favorite song and move! Dancing helps release tension, boosts your mood, and brings a sense of joy back into your day. Plus, it’s hard to feel anxious when you’re moving to a beat you love.
Nutrition: Fuel Your Body and Mind and Decrease Anxiety
What we eat has a direct impact on our mood and energy levels, especially during times of stress. During the holidays, it’s easy to overindulge in sugary treats and heavy comfort foods. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying holiday treats, it’s important to make mindful food choices that support your mental health.
Here are three nutritional strategies to keep anxiety at bay:
- Prioritize Protein and Healthy Fats: Foods rich in protein and healthy fats help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can prevent mood swings and energy crashes. Try starting your day with a protein-packed breakfast like eggs, avocado, or a handful of nuts to keep your energy and mood stable throughout the day.
- Include Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium is known for its calming properties, making it an essential mineral for managing anxiety. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and even dark chocolate are great sources. So, enjoy a square of dark chocolate mindfully—it’s a holiday treat that can actually support your relaxation.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen anxiety and fatigue, so aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try switching to herbal teas, especially in the afternoon or evening. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can provide a calming effect without keeping you awake at night.
Eat Healthy & Feel Good This Holiday Season
Since our inception, GOOD GOOD has been committed to delivering on our promise of innovating good-tasting, good-for-you, pantry staples with unparalleled quality and customer experience. To consistently deliver on this promise, we understand above all else, we must prioritize the wellbeing of our employees. The small but mighty team who are the backbone of our success and innovation.
Embrace a Calmer Holiday Season
The holidays don’t have to be filled with anxiety and stress. By incorporating mindful movement and balanced meals into your routine, you can find natural relief from holiday anxiety. Small lifestyle changes, like taking a short walk, practicing gentle yoga, or making mindful food choices, can add up to a calmer, more enjoyable season. Remember, you deserve to feel grounded and at peace—this holiday and always.
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