The Nature Made Team’s Favorite Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

We asked our Medical & Scientific Team for their go-to activities to help reduce stress over the holiday season. Check out their replies!

Melissa Dorval Pine, RD

Life can feel overwhelming for me during the holiday season for sure. It helps me to keep a schedule, prioritize a to-do list and take a moment to practice both gratitude and self-care. I start my mornings with a bit of self-care by sipping freshly brewed coffee by the fireplace while I prioritize my tasks for the day and practice a few moments of gratitude. I only take a minute to remind myself what I am grateful for, even if it's just being able to spend 5 minutes drinking coffee, relishing in the fireplace's heat, or petting my beloved dogs.

Sometimes, I'll do yoga in the morning and know that even a few sun salutations set me up for my day, or I will hop onto my Peloton to make sure I get a sweat in before I start my workday, which helps to keep my stress level in check.

One of my favorite hobbies is making sourdough bread. I find the process of making the dough meditative and fulfilling.

There's nothing like getting my hands in the homemade fermented mixture, the excitement of seeing it rise in the morning and baking it to a caramel-colored, delicious crispy crust.

It is a special treat that I make out of love for my family to enjoy.

I know this time of year can be hectic, so remember to slow down this holiday season, breathe in the cooler air and be grateful for the tastes, joys, and pleasures of this special time of year. And maybe start your very own sourdough starter!

Sandra Zagorin, MS, RD

'Tis the season for long to-do lists, busy travel, family get-togethers, and budgeting for gifts – all activities that tend to get my stress up. And with work obligations and the kids out of school, it's also hard to fit in that crucial self-care time during the holidays. When I need to get away, I grab my dog's leash and take her for a quick walk. Outside, I can appreciate the (usually) mild Los Angeles weather, enjoy the fresh air, and help clear my mind from everything going on. Exercising (even a quick walk) can help reduce stress hormone levels of cortisol and stimulate the production of endorphins, so I come back home feeling less frazzled and better able to tackle that to-do list.

Kalyn Williams, RDN

I thrive on routine and feel stressed when my schedule is disrupted, so the busy days and travel around the holidays can lead me to feeling off-balanced. During the holiday season, I make it a priority to maintain a regular sleep and movement schedule – and I try to involve others, as well. Rather than staying up late watching holiday movies or wrapping gifts, I turn in at my usual time. I'll also invite my mother, sister-in-law, or friend to go on an early morning walk, stopping at a local coffee shop or running a last-minute errand along the way. It's a great way to get in a little extra one-on-one time with loved ones, which, coupled with adequate sleep and exercise, can do a lot for my mood!

Lynn M. Laboranti, RD

The holiday season can surely bring on some added stress between decorating, cooking large meals, hosting for family, shopping for gifts, and everything else. There are a few things I do to help manage stress, particularly during the holiday season. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and take a few deep breaths. Sounds simple, but sometimes that's what I need to do first to re-center, focus, and keep going!

Of course, I do my best to eat as healthy as possible and bring along some healthy snacks while on the run. I also include supplements, such as L-theanine and Ashwagandha, specifically for stress support to help with overall calmness as I carry on with my day. Getting regular exercise and breaking a sweat is a great release for me. I'm happy to grab 15 or 20 minutes during this busy time! Taking a step outside into the crisp air is a nice break from a regular routine and reminds me to take time to appreciate the natural surroundings. (I can't take full credit for this one. It's a lesson I truly learned from one of my sons, who always seems to find time to do just that and helps to remind me, too--admiring sunrises, sunsets, and all that nature can offer us.)

Finally, it's something we may hear often, but finding time or even a brief moment to be grateful does genuinely help with my stress. As I reflect on all the great things I have been blessed with, it certainly provides more peace with everything around me.

From everyone at Team Nature Made, we hope you have a peaceful and prosperous holiday season!