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There’s so much to love about the holiday season—from the twinkly lights to the festive cocktail parties to the time spent with family. But during the holidays we also face endless to-do lists, end-of-year work deadlines, and an influx of expenses. More often than not, we’re left feeling stressed and sleep deprived—making it difficult to enjoy the parts we look forward to. This year, however, we are determined to set ourselves up for a more relaxed, happier holiday season, so we recruited the help of an expert.
While decreasing stress and increasing sleep may seem easier said than done (especially during the holidays), it turns out there are little things we can do to make a big impact—like leaning on supportive supplements from
The Vitamin Shoppe.
To learn more about how to stay healthy and grounded all season long, click through Dr. Maya’s trusted tips below.
Maya Shetreat, M.D. is a neurologist, herbalist, and the founder of the Terrain Institute, where she teaches earth-based programs for transformational healing. Specializing in how to care for ourselves in a modern world, we knew she’d be the perfect person to talk to.
Maya Shetreat, M.D.
Tips To Stress Less.
THE EXPERT:
Get Moving
Do Nothing
Say No
Be Consistent
Even if you only have 20-30 minutes to walk or run, movement will help you to reduce stress and release endorphins during chaotic days. Holiday fatigue is real, but once you start moving, you’ll immediately feel a boost of energy.
But for a little extra support to get you over the hump, try Himalaya’s Hello Energy supplement or Solaray’s Sharpmind Energy Formula from The Vitamin Shoppe. Both are made up of herbs that promote better and more sustained energy, immunity, and stress resilience––no caffeine involved!*
Himalaya’s
Hello Energy
Solaray’s Sharpmind
Energy Formula
Bach’s Rescue Pastilles
or Remedy drops
Solaray’s Sharpmind
Stress Formula
As strange as it may sound, scheduling time to do nothing can make all the difference. It creates space to process and integrate your day, flip through a magazine, or just daydream.
If you find your mind racing, it can be helpful to keep Bach’s RESCUE PASTILLES or RESCUE REMEDY Dropper on hand. Both products utilize flower essences to promote relaxation and stress relief in the moment.* Solaray’s Sharpmind Stress Formula can also be used on a more consistent basis to help set the stage for calmer, more peaceful alone time.*
Himalaya’s
Hello Joy
Solaray’s Sharpmind
Mood Formula
You don’t have to accept every party invitation, gift exchange, or family obligation. Consider carefully what feels like a “yes,” versus what feels more like a “should” or a “no.”
Picking and choosing isn’t easy, though, and it’s not uncommon to experience a bit of anxiousness or frustration. To help you stay even-keeled, try Himalaya’s Hello Joy or Solaray’s Sharpmind Mood Formula from The Vitamin Shoppe. The ashwagandha, holy basil, and bacopa in Hello Joy help with emotional discouragement, stress, and irritability, while the reishi, holy basil, and Sceletium tortuosum in Sharpmind Mood support mood, energy, and resilience.*
Himalaya’s
Hello Peace
Solaray’s Sharpmind
Sleep Formula
Set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it. Getting consistent amounts of sleep whenever possible means that you can enjoy the occasional late night without being too compromised.
Taking a sleep supplement like Solaray’s Sharpmind Sleep Formula can help to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by supporting stress levels throughout the day and encouraging better sleep at night.* Himalaya’s Hello Peace can also assist in combating stress and nervousness, all of which can contribute to the dreaded monkey mind at bedtime.*
Tips To Sleep More.
Create a Ritual
Natrol Sleep +
Immune Health
Create a bedtime ritual with activities that relax you ahead of actually getting into bed so you’re not lying awake once it’s time to fall asleep. Taking a bath, sipping herbal tea, and/or reading a good book (but not too good of a book!) can all help you settle.
And as you build your bedtime ritual, consider adding a supplement like Natrol Sleep + Immune Health to the mix to promote immune health and encourage more revitalizing sleep.* A little extra immune support is always a plus during the holidays.
Turn Down
the Lights
Solaray’s Sharpmind
Stress Formula
Reduce screen time and lower lights in the hour before bed (and while you sleep). Believe it or not, even dim lights can disrupt your circadian rhythm and melatonin levels.
Workloads tend to pile up right before holiday break, but the later you sit in front of the computer, the more difficult it becomes to fall asleep. That’s where Solaray’s Sharmind Focus Formula comes in. It combines bacopa, lion’s mane, and citicoline to promote mental performance and cognitive function—helping you to get work done quicker and turn screens off earlier.*
Draw a Bath
Natrol Sleep + Beauty Gummies
Indulge in warm epsom salt baths for at least 10 minutes to get a kick of magnesium before bed. This relaxing soak will help to calm and ease you into sleep.
For an extra dose of self-care, take a couple Natrol Sleep + Beauty Gummies. Available through The Vitamin Shoppe, these gummies contain melatonin to promote a good night’s sleep and biotin to support hair, skin, and nail health.*
Set a Bedtime
Bach’s RESCUE SLEEP Liquid Melts
So important, I’ll say it twice: Set a bedtime and stick to it!
If you’re having trouble getting to sleep but prefer to stay away from melatonin, try Bach’s RESCUE SLEEP Liquid Melts. These melatonin-free, orange vanilla flavored quick-dissolve capsules can be beneficial to use right before bed to help ease stress and calm busy, repetitive thoughts.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Tips To Sleep More.