This is the season to be jolly but being jolly doesn’t come easy for everyone this time of year. Shopping for the perfect gift can be hectic, dealing with relatives can be stressful, and sometimes you just want to be alone for the holidays. But how do you celebrate the holiday without being a total scrooge? Well, we have some easy and natural ways to reduce stress this holiday season that will have you saying “ho ho ho!” instead of “oh no no no!”

Run, Run, Rudolph!

If Thanksgiving turkey left you stuffed, it might help for you to get moving this holiday season. Exercising is the best way to lose weight but will also help reduce stress. Exercise reduces the levels of the body’s stress hormones while also stimulating chemicals that elevate your mood. Many competitive runners report feeling a “high” after a good practice or race. There are often competitive races and marathons this time of year that are fun to participate in. If you’re not at that level you can always run around the neighborhood or on a treadmill at the local gym. As long as you get at least 45 min of exercise a day at least 3 days a week, you’ll be feeling a lot more relaxed.

Avoid the Milk and Cookies to Reduce Stress.

One of the reasons people love this time of year is because of all the great holiday food. Peppermint hot cocoa, ginger and orange mulled wine, spicy sweet eggnog are all popular beverages that we’ve had one too many of. Then there’s gingerbread cookies, chocolates, cakes, and so much more at every holiday party. Unfortunately, these are all full of sugar and sugar is one of the leading causes of stress. It causes you to more irritable and anxious than usual by raising the levels of cortisol in your body. If you have the chance, try to limit the amount of sweets you try or request sugar-free options. That way, your bodies blood sugar levels will be more stable and you won’t feel as ornery.

Chill Out During the Holidays with Nutrient IV Therapy.

The holiday season is considered the most wonderful time of the year but it’s also the busiest. Airports are always crowded, the malls are full of shoppers, and you keep getting invited to holiday parties! So how do you prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed? This season try nutrient IV therapy, particularly The Executive, by Liquivida Lounge, for managing your holiday stress. It’s an IV drip with vitamins and minerals that help improve focus, mental clarity, and boost your mood. It basically helps you get stuff done.

You have to go to the mall to buy a bunch of presents? Done. Cook a large meal for family? Easy. Decorate the house? Not a problem. It keeps you from getting physically and mentally exhausted and exhaustion leads to stress. Liquivida also has other drips like Natural Defense that boosts your immune system, which is also good this time of year. Stop by Liquivida Lounge to take on the holidays with ease.

Hibernate with Some Shut Eye.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. If we want to avoid stress, we must get a good night’s sleep. Lack of proper sleep can cause cognitive dysfunction, increased chance of heart disease, weight gain, depression, a lower sex drive, and of course, more stress.

If you have difficulty sleeping, make sure to try going to bed and waking at the same times every day, avoid computer, TV, and phone screens at least an hour before bed, keep your room cool, and get a heavy blanket. These can all help make sure you get a peaceful night’s sleep. The goal is to get at least 6-8 hours every night although this varies from person to person. Some people require more sleep, while others need less. If you are following the other steps, sleep will come easier to you, because getting the right nutrition and exercise is essential for a healthy sleep. Your pleasant dreams will turn into pleasant days.

Lower Your Elf-spectations.

The Holiday season is supposed to be a magical time of year spent with friends and family but not everyone lives in a Hallmark movie and it’s ok if your season is not perfect. The key is lowering your expectations of what you want your holiday season to be. Friends may be unavailable or leave you hanging. The tree lighting may be less than impressive. Family may not always say the right thing or buy you the right gift. But that’s ok and it’s the thought that counts. If you want to spend time alone from family, that can be ok too. However you want to spend your holiday is up to you. It’s not for everyone. Just don’t be a grinch and ruin someone else’s good time and you’ll be ok. That way you’ll be feeling more holiday cheer and less holiday fear.

So if you want to avoid stress this holiday season, make sure get plenty of exercise  to feel good, stay clear from too much sugar for the same reason, try IV therapy to help you stay focused and calm, get plenty of sleep so you’re not so cranky, and lower your expectations in general.

Life isn’t perfect and the people around us are from it but if we take a deep breath, focus on the positives, and be grateful for what we have, the holiday season will be a joy and the good feeling will spread around us. That’s what the season should be about, everyone together being happy and relaxed. The stress can wait until next year.