From Chaos to Calm: Sleep and Stress Support for the Holidays
The holiday season is meant to bring joy, laughter, and family together, but sometimes that also comes with stress and a long to-do list. Whether you’re hosting this year, attending events, or just trying to keep everything moving, your sleep and stress management have to come first. Here are some ways to help take care of yourself, first, so everything else feels less chaotic.
1. Make Sleep a Non-Negotiable
The holidays are notorious for late nights, irregular schedules, and sugar-filled celebrations, all of which can wreak havoc on your sleep. When you don’t get enough rest, cortisol (your primary stress hormone) rises, your immune system weakens, and your mood and energy take a dive.
This season, aim to treat sleep like a scheduled commitment and consider your sleep hygiene habits:
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Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
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Keep consistent bed and wake times, even on weekends.
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Try limiting screens, caffeine, heavy meals, and alcohol for at least an hour before bed
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Create a bedtime ritual that signals to your body it’s time to wind down (drinking herbal tea, stretching, prayer, or journaling)
Good sleep hygiene is about creating small, sustainable habits that help your body recharge amid the holiday chaos.
2. Use Supplements to Support Calm and Rest
Even with the best intentions, stress and disrupted sleep can sneak in during the holidays. Sometimes, adding the right supplements alongside a healthy diet can help your body cope and recover naturally.
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Magnesium: Often called the “relaxation mineral,” magnesium helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles, and even support melatonin production.
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B-Complex Vitamins: These are essential for energy metabolism and nervous system health. Vitamins B6 and B12, in particular, can help regulate mood and reduce fatigue, which are key when you’re juggling travel, parties, and deadlines.
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Sleep Support: Our Sleep Support with Chamomile, Valerian, & Melatonin includes valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin can promote relaxation without leaving you groggy the next morning.
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Melatonin: This naturally occurring sleep hormone is especially helpful for jet lag from holiday travel that throws off your sleep. Taking a small dose temporarily before bed may help get your rest schedule back on track.
Supplements work best when combined with good habits, so think of them as tools, not magic fixes. Check out our line of holiday support supplements for additional options.
3. Manage Holiday Stress Mindfully
When stress peaks, so does inflammation, blood pressure, and the urge to reach for comfort foods. Intentional relaxation can help you restore calm and clarity. Try short breathing exercises, 5-minute meditation breaks, or gentle stretching before bed.
If faith is part of your wellness foundation, quiet prayer or gratitude journaling can reset your mindset and remind you what truly matters. Don’t underestimate the power of saying no when your calendar is packed.
Setting boundaries, leaving events early, or scheduling quiet evenings in are acts of self-care, not selfishness.
4. Nourish Your Body for Better Rest
Your nutrition habits play a huge role in how well you sleep and handle stress. Aim for steady, balanced meals that combine complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable.
Include foods rich in magnesium (leafy greens, beans, nuts) and B vitamins (whole grains, avocado, legumes). Avoid caffeine after noon and go easy on alcohol, as both can interfere with restorative sleep. Hydrate with water first.
Permission to Rest
This holiday season, remember that your energy and peace of mind are worth protecting. Prioritizing sleep and managing stress are essential to enjoying the season and showing up fully for those you love.
By creating simple routines, nourishing your body well, and supporting yourself with the right supplements, you can move through the holidays feeling calm, present, and resilient.