Stress Less, Enjoy More: Support to Ease Holiday Stress

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes preparation for parties, decorating the house, shopping, baking and hosting. Add to this, dwindling daylight hours making the days feel shorter, colder weather that makes us want to hibernate and additional expenses due to gifts, food and everyday life. It all equals the potential for overwhelm or stress. 

While our bodies are well equipped to handle small doses of stress, long term or chronic stress places excessive demands on our body’s nutrient and vitamin stores. This over-activation of our nervous system can compromise immune function, disturb insulin resistance, and mess with our ability to fall asleep. All of which, when not dealt with, can lead to greater dis-ease in the body and poor health outcomes.

Fortunately, there are strategies to mitigate stress and botanicals that can help lessen the blow on our bodies when we do feel overwhelmed by the demands of the holidays. 

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is naturally found in green tea and is a calming amino acid. Studies have found that l-theanine can help to reduce nervousness and promote a state of relaxation. It is thought to reduce the feelings of stress by increasing alpha waves in the brain which help to foster a sense of calm and focus, while not causing drowsiness. It also works quickly, taking 30-40 minutes following consumption to induce a state of calm. AOR’s Zen Theanine provides an optimal dose of pure l-theanine. AOR is a Canadian natural health manufacturer that prides itself on science-backed formulations and effective health solutions. 

Holy Basil

Also known as tulsi, holy basil is used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress. Adaptogens act like a stress “thermostat”, helping your body return to a balanced state. When stress pushes you too high, leaving you wired or anxious, or too low, making you feel tired or depleted, adaptogens help to support a more stable middle ground. Holy basil has a long history of use and is a cherished herb in Ayurvedic medicine. In this traditional medicine system, it has been employed for everything from colds to cardiovascular concerns. Holy basil contains numerous active constituents including tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. It is these constituents which are thought to impart its many health benefits. AOR’s Holy Basil uses an extract from India of wildcrafted holy basil leaves.

Cortisol Adapt

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It’s designed to give you quick energy, help you stay focused, and keep you moving when the going gets tough. This is critical when you need to run away from a cougar but, a little too much for holiday preparations. Elevated cortisol levels disrupt sleep, increase inflammation in the body, and hijack more pertinent bodily functions like digestion and immune function. 

AOR’s Cortisol Adapt combines stress-reducing adaptogens in a synergistic formula to address the perception and impact of chronic stress on the body. This formula contains ingredients clinically proven to support healthy cortisol levels in times of stress, while also addressing the negative impacts of chronically elevated stress such as inflammation and immune suppression, cognitive disturbances, insomnia, brain fog and irritability. 

It contains bacopa monnieri, sometimes called Brahmi, another prized plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Bacopa helps to support cognitive health and brain function which can be impaired due to cortisol dysregulation. Because chronic stress can inhibit immune function and increase inflammation, cordyceps are also included in this formula. Cordyceps are a source of fungal polysaccharides with immunomodulating (i.e. immune activating) properties and a source of antioxidants. 

Ashwagandha is also included. This revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine is known for its effective adaptogenic properties. It is widely used to combat stress and fatigue, support mental clarity, emotional balance, and restful sleep. It can help to alleviate symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleeplessness. Specifically, it has been added to the formula due to its ability to reduce chronically elevated cortisol levels and C reactive protein, which is a biomarker of stress mediated inflammation.

There is also CurQfen®, which provides a source of curcumin with enhanced plasma bioavailability to further reduce the negative physical effects of chronically elevated cortisol. And a proprietary blend of magnolia bark and phellodendron called Relora® is included in Cortisol Adapt. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that this combination reduces the effect of transient and chronic stress and supports mood and feelings of vigor, reduces evening salivary cortisol (yes to good sleep!) and improves mental fatigue. AOR’s Cortisol Adapt is available online and in store.

Above all, remember that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your stress during this holiday season. Daily movement, practicing good sleep hygiene, prioritizing your sleep, making time for mindfulness and yourself, all make a huge difference in how you manage and mitigate the impact of stress on your body. 

Simplify where you can, slow down when it matters, and let the season feel lighter. Wishing you a calmer, more magical holiday season ahead.

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