Whether you’re pregnant, menstruating, perimenopausal, menopausal, or just alive for 2020, the holiday season stress is powerful enough to throw off your hormones. From cooking Thanksgiving dinner to finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed this season. In fact, a report by ThinkFinance found that nearly half of Americans would want to cancel Christmas! Before kicking Santa, Rudolph and the gang to the curb, let’s understand why —
The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 25% of Americans reported feeling “extreme stress” during the holiday season. Of those people surveyed, almost 70% felt they didn’t have enough time, 69% felt they didn’t have enough money, and 51% were stressed out about the gift-giving pressure.
Such stress can manifest in headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, a short temper, an upset stomach, aching muscles, and lower productivity. Extreme or long-term stress can cause particularly scary side effects in women — hormonal imbalances can result in problems getting pregnant, more severe PMS, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and lower libido, not to mention an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The increase of cortisol throws hormones out of whack; the telltale signs of a hormonal imbalance are fatigue, mood instability, weight gain, “foggy brain” or memory loss, adult acne, hair loss or excessive facial hair growth.
So to avoid looking and feeling like the Grinch this holiday season, we’ve come up with 5 ways to deal with stress and promote healthy adrenal function.
1. Supplements
There are multiple supplements and vitamins you can take to help balance your hormones naturally. Magnesium calms the nervous system and reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal ensuring less cortisol is released into the body. A higher intake of calcium can reduce the chances of developing hyperparathyroidism and
vitamin D3 helps to regulate insulin flow and balance blood sugar, allowing the body’s natural hormone cycles to function more effectively. To counteract the effects of wicked PMS, try taking vitamin B6 which can help reduce irritability and mood swings. Taking vitamin E can alleviate the severity of many common menopausal symptoms, including insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations and vaginal dryness. It is believed that vitamin E actually reduces stress through its natural antioxidant properties.
2. Adaptogenics
Herbs can help your body respond to stress better — research shows adaptogens can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety, as well as boost immunity. For example, tulsi (holy basil) reduces physical and mental stress, stress-related anxiety, and depression. Licorice root and Jiaogulan both reduce stress and goji berry is reported to boost energy, improve physical and mental performance, and helps you sleep.
3. Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindfulness practices reduce activity in the amygdala, which is central to switching on your stress response. By subduing this part of the brain, mindfulness can cut off stress before it begins to take over. Engaging in mindfulness activities can also help change the way you think of stress and the way you address your stressors. STOP is an easy way to practice being mindful in the face of stress — Slow down, Take a deep breath, Observe your feelings, and Proceed having considered all your options. Meditation has similar benefits — it can help you gain new perspectives, increase self awareness, focus on the present, reduce negative emotions, and increase patience.
4. Exercise
Exercise can help lower stress and regulate your hormone imbalance by managing insulin levels, increasing endorphins, and reducing cortisol levels in the body. It also relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and improves overall endocrine function. Try yoga or pilates for low-impact routines or HIIT workouts or strength training if you dare; if not, a good long walk can also do the trick!
5. CBD
A number of studies have shown that CBD oil is highly effective in treating anxiety, depression and stress in a host of beneficial ways. Research shows that CBD quells anxiety by positively invigorating neural regeneration as well as neurotransmitter systems, and also regulating the endocannabinoid system that becomes dysregulated through chronic stress. CBD also binds to serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT1A receptor that is responsible for anxiety disorders. In binding to these receptors, CBD is able to reduce levels of anxiety.
Our Maxim MaxRelief CBD Lotion is made of 500mg CBD, kokum butter, and argan oil. The all-natural, topical solution is great for alleviating anxiety, sore muscles, pain relief, promoting sleep, and reducing stress.
Other natural ways to balance hormones and alleviate the negative effects of stress on the body are to drink lots of water, eat more fiber and protein, consume less sugar and processed foods, and increase time with friends and scented candles. Tell us your favorite ways to unwind this Holiday season!