7 Supplements That Help Fight Holiday Stress

The holiday season is officially here. Along with the festive music, lights and décor often come a full calendar and a month’s worth of hustle and bustle, which can end up putting stress levels into overdrive. Remembering the reason for the season and being grateful for time spent with your loved ones can help combat stress surrounding the holidays, but if you need an extra boost, these stress-fighting supplements might be able to help:

1. Magnesium

This essential mineral is important for the health of nearly every one of your cells, and a deficiency can lead to eye twitches, muscle spasms, headaches, high blood pressure, and fatigue. Feeling cramped, tight, irritable or stiff? Add some magnesium to your diet for optimal relaxation.

2. L-Theanine

L-theanine, a little-known, water-soluble amino acid, is found mainly in green tea. It’s known for promoting relaxation and can also be useful in counteracting stress. L-theanine is also able to cross your blood-brain barrier and increase alpha waves in your brain, which are associated with alert relaxation.

3. Vitamin B12

Known as the energy vitamin, B12 is needed for blood formation, DNA synthesis, energy production, and myelin formation. It’s also known for improving alertness, boosting attention span, sharpening concentration and bolstering memory.

4. Potassium

Found in almost every natural food, especially leafy greens, you need potassium in somewhat large amounts to maintain balance with respect to your body’s chemical and electrical processes. Low levels of potassium can throw your body off, causing mental fatigue, stress, and anxiety, so don’t skimp on this important mineral!

5. Vitamin D

Studies show that vitamin D plays a role in facilitating serotonin production. When your serotonin levels are low, you may be susceptible to anxiety, depression, and stress. To maximize its effectiveness of vitamin D, be sure to take it in conjunction with vitamin K2 and magnesium.

6. Ashwagandha

Originating in India, the popular herb ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 3,000 years to counteract inflammation and stress. It is also known for boosting energy and stamina, as well as improving your libido and overall well-being, among other things.

7. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is easily recognizable by its calming scent, which soothes frayed nerves and relieves anxiety. As such, it has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of depression, emotional stress, headaches, migraines, and nervous tension.