10 Ways to Naturally Reduce Stress During the Holidays

The best part of the holiday season is spending time with family and friends. But before you can sit down and enjoy their company, there’s a never-ending to-do list of cooking, shopping, gift wrapping and decorating. And if you’re like most people, this crazy to-do list leaves you stressed, exhausted, and maybe even sick. In the December 2010 issue of HealthCare Review, physician Dr. Lauren Feder says the key to stress-less, healthy holidays is to take care of yourself. “When you’re mentally and physically prepared for the craziness of the holidays, your immune system will have a better chance of staying strong to fight off unwanted illness,” says Dr. Feder.  So here are 10 helpful tips from Dr. Feder to naturally reduce your stress and stay healthy this holiday season.

1. Rest. In-between work and other obligations, it’s important to rest. Even a short cat nap can be helpful.
2. Avoid becoming chilled by wearing an extra thin layer of clothing.
3. Bring out the hot water bottle. The warmth is soothing and calming during the winter.
4. If you or your child is ill, stay home.
5. Avoid overeating.
6. Minimize junk food, as refined sugar compromises the immune system.
7. Reduce caffeine and drink chamomile tea, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress in the body.
8. Exercise. We often get busy during the holidays and forget to exercise. This time of year, it is especially important as it helps stimulate the immune system to stay strong.
9. Stop and breathe. When we are stressed out, our breathing becomes quick and shallow. Making efforts to breathe slowly slows down the pace.
10. And here are two of my favorite natural remedies for both adults and children during the holiday season. An added bonus: They come without side effects! Nux vomica is a wonderful homeopathic medicine for the effects of overeating and drinking, and doing ‘too much.’ And Boiron Sedalia relieves nervousness, hypersensitivity and irritability due to stress.

Lauren Feder, MD, is a nationally recognized physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Affiliated with the National Center for Homeopathy, Holistic Pediatric Association, and La Leche League, she is a frequent lecturer for parents and professionals, and has been seen nationally on various health-oriented television programs, including most recently “Oprah and Friends,” interviewed by Dr. Mehmet Oz. In addition to her book, Natural Baby and Childcare, she has written for Homeopathy Today and Mothering Magazine and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Alternative Medicine Digest, DiscoveryHealth.com, Parenting Magazine, and many other publications and websites.