Coping with the holiday hustle and bustle…

Feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed during the holidays? Be sure to nourish yourself with these diet and lifestyle tips.

Foods:

-Kale- high in magnesium, an essential nutrient for the adrenal glands, organs that regulate energy and stress patterns.

-Turkey- packed with protein (stabilizing blood sugar) and B vitamins (aiding in metabolism), turkey is a stress-buster. Contains tryptophan, which promotes serotonin production and also melatonin production, making you feel good and relaxed.

-Wild salmon- contains mood-boosting vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, which support healthy brain function

-Green tea- contains L-theanine- a building block of GABA, which is out anti-anxiety neurotransmitter

-Dark chocolate- rich in magnesium, supporting a healthy stress response. Also packed with heart-healthy antioxidants. Look for 70 % or higher cocoa content

-Figs- rich in B6 and promotes production of mood-boosting serotonin

Lifestyle Tips

-Exercise- A study finds that 150 minutes of exercise a week significantly improves sleep quality.

-Deep breathing- This practice is simple yet highly effective at reducing stress.

* Inhale for 1 count. Hold for 4 counts. Exhale for 2 counts. Example: if you inhale for 2 seconds, you hold for 8 and exhale for 4. Do sets of 10 breaths, several times a day.

-Routine- Routine is the number 1 treatment for your adrenals. Eating three meals a day and going to bed and waking at the same time daily will help regulate your body’s natural rhythms.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.