Submitted by Jeanette Barcus, Certified Natural Health Consultant

Get a jump-start on your holiday cheer and see it last the whole season through with these seven tips to keep your stress levels low and your holiday happiness high!

1) Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout, just something to get your heart rate up to get the endorphins going.

2) Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are stimulants which may increase your heart rate and cause anxiety. Instead of alcohol, drink water, or natural fruit juice. Sodas are not a good alternative to alcohol because sugar also has many adverse effects on the body, which can become worse when stressed.

3) Do your shopping early, or online. Or better yet – at small businesses. Small local businesses are usually less busy, have unique items, and more of your money will stay in the community.

4) Get enough sleep. Getting adequate sleep helps with digestion, clarity of mind, immunity and morale. Getting to bed earlier and waking up earlier gives the body more restful sleep and allows for a more productive morning, giving you time to get things done so you are less stressed throughout the day.

5) Eat regularly. If you feel like the world is crashing down around you and you are about to just toss in the towel and cancel Christmas – ask yourself, “When was the last time I ate?” Hunger can get the best of us when we allow our blood sugar to drop from not eating regularly. If others are unbearable or unreasonable, maybe they just need to eat, too.

6) Learn to say ‘no.’ Learn to say ‘no’ to avoid over-committing. Say ‘no’ to buying things you don’t need, can help you avoid guilt now and depression in January when the bills arrive.

7) Try natural, non-habit forming support for the nervous system, like Anxiousless or Distress Remedy. These two amazing formulas get rave reviews for that little extra help to deal with stress.

(This information is for educational use and not intended to diagnose or prescribe or replace the advice of a health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.)