Simple Stress Relievers To Get You Through The Holidays

How CBD, Deep Breaths, and Sunshine Can Help Improve Your Mood

There’s nothing like the holiday season. Who doesn’t love the festive cheer, loving gatherings, good food, and gifts?  But as wonderful as the holidays are, this time of year can also be full of emotional triggers and challenges. For many of us, the holiday season is a time of year when we experience added stressors - whether it’s visiting with family members you may not see eye to eye with or the physical fatigue of traveling. Eating sugary foods and changes in weather can also add to throwing your body out of balance. It can all feel like a lot - even when you’re having fun. 

You may not be able to keep up your daily routine, but you can still incorporate some of these habits - even while staying at your in-laws. Take the edge off the holidays with ECO Therapy CBD, mother nature, and a little quiet time.

Daily CBD

Incorporating Cannabidiol (CBD) into your self-care practice supports internal balance. A daily dose of CBD can help you feel energized, calm and well-rested.   CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that interacts with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to elevate your mood, ease anxiety, and reduce inflammation. While CBD is found in cannabis, it is non-intoxicating and will not give you a “high” feeling.  Like many supplements, you’ll get the most therapeutic benefits from CBD when taken daily over time.  

Your Endocannabinoid System regulates bodily functions like stress response, sleep, pain, appetite, metabolism, and mood through a detailed signaling system, involving endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning internal) and cannabinoid receptors that are located throughout your body.  What makes CBD so special, is that it’s able to naturally work with your Endocannabinoid System to reduce inflammation, help reduce anxiety and boost your mood by preventing the breakdown of the endocannabinoid Anandamide - also called your “bliss molecule.”  

Whole-plant CBD products also come with a whole array of natural terpenes. Terpenes are compounds found in plants that are responsible for their aroma, taste, and an array of therapeutic benefits.  Terpenes are why the scent of a candle or an essential oil can have an affect on how you feel.  For example, the terpene Limonene is found in citrus and has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to boost your mood. 

A Quiet Moment

When you feel stressed, your body increases the production of the hormone cortisol. In the wild, cortisol is a life-saving bodily response to sudden stress - otherwise known as fight or flight.  Cortisol increases your heart rate and gives you a sudden burst of energy - the kind of fight or flight response you’d need to run away from... a bear or something.  Unfortunately, our busy fast-paced lives are inadvertently causing more and more people to live with constantly elevated cortisol levels.  This can lead to not-so-pleasant health effects like chronic fatigue, headaches, and weight gain. Yikes. Not exactly how you want to feel during the holidays. 

A great way to help self-regulate stress is with a meditative breathing routine.  Giving yourself 10 minutes to close your eyes and take some deep breaths can help calm the nervous system, steady your heart and give you a moment to let waves of anxiety wash away.  Even while you’re traveling or dealing with a busy schedule, taking a few moments alone to breathe and check in with yourself is a calming practice you can implement anywhere.  If you’re into mantras, try breathing in a positive phrase or goal for your day. Then as you exhale think about letting go of whatever is causing you stress or worry.  When stress creeps in throughout the day, simply take a moment to take a deep breath and remind yourself of your morning mantra. 

Mother Nature Breaks

You may have guessed that we’re really into the power of nature around here.  The phrase “walk it out” is actually grounded in some real science. The mere act of taking a walk releases endorphins in the body and can help ease stress.  While you walk, the rhythm and natural uptick in oxygen to the brain create a moving mediation that can calm the mind.  Many people find walks are a great way to inspire creativity or work through a problem.  Another ecotherapy benefit of getting outside is soaking up some sunshine. Sun rays are a natural way to get your vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining sufficient calcium levels, supporting the nervous system, and strengthening your immune system.  

Plus, taking a walk is a great way to excuse yourself from a nosy relative or a stressful holiday gathering.  

Stay Hydrated

Yes, I know this may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating.  Hydration is one the easiest ways to help support your body and immune system.  Water is crucial for our bodies to function.  The average adult is over 60% water.  Water carries nutrients throughout your entire body, boosting brain function and helping to flush out unwanted toxins from the body. Even being slightly dehydrated can start to impact your energy and cognitive abilities.  Not to mention, drinking water also helps you avoid those eggnog hangovers. 

Jump-start your day by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning. The night is typically your longest stretch of time without actively hydrating. As you sleep, you lose hydration through your breath - leaving you dehydrated when you wake up.  The amount of water you drink directly impacts your blood volume, so making sure you’re properly hydrated supports healthy blood flow and ensures more efficient workouts.

Keep Moving

Speaking of working out…  Carving out time to exercise during the holidays can feel tough. This is especially true if you’re traveling, busy wrapping up end-of-the-year work projects, or filling your calendar with holiday engagements. The thing is, moving your body is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.  Getting the blood flowing also helps boost your cardiovascular system and support your immune system. Even if you can’t make it to your favorite workout class or gym, exercising for just 10 minutes a day still makes a big difference in your overall wellbeing and mental health.  

Support yourself through the holidays by taking care of your mind and body.  Discover the power of nature.  ECO Therapy blends CBD with natural botanicals for a little dose of nature to enhance your day.  And it doesn’t have to stop there. These are all daily habits you can take with you into the new year.