The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for seasonal illnesses ranging from stress-related colds, flus, bronchitis and pneumonia to anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart complaints.

Here are a few suggestions for coping with Holiday Stress:

1. Prioritize holiday activities

To prevent becoming over committed, prioritize holiday activities, family meals and social events. A firm and compassionate “no” allows you to take care of yourself, if you are becoming overwhelmed by too many commitments.

2. Take time for a relaxing conversation with a friend or family member

Engage in fun, uplifting discussions and build up the positive energy around the cherished times you are about to share at with your family in holiday activities or vacations. Try not to focus on the stressors, but create win-win solutions so that everyone may enjoy the festivities.

4. Breath deeply

Remember to inhale deeply throughout the day. Stress induced shallow breathing causes oxygen deprivation. Breathe deeply throughout the day to oxygenate the 50 to 100 trillion living cells in the body.

5. Don’t bite of more than you can chew.

The endless overwhelming tasks from buying gifts to turning out a gourmet meal, when added to rich mix of interactions with friends, family and co-workers can lead to excessive amounts of stress. Gauge your stress threshold and stop before you become ill.

6. Supplements for surviving extra stress

L-theanine, a component of green tea, is an excellent supplement to promote relaxation. It can be blended synergistically with the botanicals valerian and passionflower for even greater effect. Alternatively, ashwaganda also works with L-theanine to produce a sense of calm. B-Complex is necessary to support brain chemistry under stress responses. Remember to invest in a good immune support supplement.

7. Controlling Seasonal Weight Gain

When stressed we default to less than optimal dietary choices. Added to the wide array of unhealthy foods at holiday gatherings many people consume high glycemic foods that create havoc on blood sugar levels. Consider adding nutrients that support healthy blood sugar levels like goat’s rue, chromium, vanadium and cinnamon extract. Fibre also reduces the damage caused by high-refined carbohydrate meals. Rice Bran Proteins concentrate is effective in lowering glucose levels.

Add a pinch of “willpower” to two 10 minute aerobic activities each day and the seasonal weight gain can be minimized.

8. Upset Stomachs

Too much rich, sugary food can ruin festivities. If willpower is sagging, then digestive enzymes help eliminate the burden of the holiday treats on the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus GG is used by many of my clients to offset the array of microbial exposures.

9. Alcohol consumption

When we consume too much alcohol a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde is created. This byproduct is responsible for a hangover and a reduction in antioxidant levels. N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) helps slows down this process, while Kudzu, another natural substance, has been shown to reduce alcohol intake.

Try Goji Juice as a healthy and soothing alternative to alcohol. The therapeutic effects of this little known goji berry are numerous and it has a pleasant taste. The Himalayan Goji Juice is so nutrient dense that it supplements the unhealthy high carbohydrate holiday diet.

10. Laugh until your stomach hurts

There is nothing like a good gut wrenching laugh to release stress and put things in perspective. Practice the natural healing powers of laughter with your loved ones and friends every day.

11. Find the peace within.

Feel the love that pours out of your soul when you remember who you are. No matter what is happening around you - find that still space within, every day. Connect your body, mind and spirit to that place of peace.

Good health is more than just the absence of illness. It is a strong state of physical and emotional well-being, that acknowledges the importance and inseparability of mind, body and spirit relationships.

May you enjoy the special warmth and joy created by the holiday festivities. Remember to take all these wonderful blessings and gifts into the New Year and touch everyone you meet with the beauty of your soul.