How to Reduce Stress Before the Holidays

Although the Jewish holidays are a joyful time, they can also bring significant stress due to obligations, family expectations, and social pressures.

Kobi Cohen, a pharmacist from the Super-Pharm chain, explains how to recognize stress and anxiety and offers practical ways to relax so you can arrive at the holiday table feeling calm and happy.

Understanding Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety and stress are natural physiological responses of the body. However, when they begin to affect our daily functioning, it is important to look for ways to help the body calm down.

The first step is recognizing when anxiety is present.

Common Signs of Anxiety

To identify whether you are experiencing anxiety, pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Fear of performing everyday activities

• Negative thoughts and excessive worries

• Difficulty concentrating

• Headaches

• Feeling unable to cope with the situation

• Nausea or dizziness

• A sense of instability

• Irritability

• Sensitivity to noise

• Crying

• Trembling in the body

• Rapid heartbeat

• Chest discomfort

• Dry mouth

• Difficulty swallowing

• Increased thirst

• Stomach pain

These symptoms may appear separately or together.

When to Seek Medical Advice

In some cases, it is important to consult a qualified medical professional, especially if symptoms include a rapid heartbeat or chest pain. These symptoms should be checked in order to rule out possible heart problems.

However, if the stress is temporary and related to seasonal pressures, there are also natural methods that may help ease the tension.

Natural Remedies That May Help

Certain calming herbs can assist in mild cases of anxiety, including:

• Valerian

• Passionflower

• Hops

• Lemon balm

• Bach flower remedies

• B-group vitamins

These products are commonly available at pharmacies.

In addition, regular physical activity can significantly help reduce stress and anxiety.

Practical Tips for a Calm Holiday Season

To approach the holiday season with greater calm and balance, consider the following suggestions.

Don’t Overload Yourself

Avoid taking on more responsibilities than you know you can handle. Overcommitting can quickly turn a joyful holiday into a stressful experience.

Don’t Try to Control Others

Everyone has their own opinions, preferences, and traditions. Rather than trying to manage other people’s behavior, listen patiently and remember that others may experience the holidays differently than you do.

Prepare a Clear Plan

Organization can reduce stress significantly. Make a structured list of shopping needs, gifts, and food items. Plan meal preparation times in advance, or schedule when you need to leave the house if you are invited to a holiday gathering.

Avoid Unnecessary Physical Strain

Stress can lead to physical pain such as back pain, chest discomfort, and headaches. These symptoms can make the holiday period even more difficult and prevent you from enjoying it.

Avoid Emotional Eating

Food may feel comforting during stressful moments, but emotional eating is usually only a short-term solution and may leave you feeling worse afterward.

Drink Herbal Tea

Drinking lemon balm tea or chamomile tea during the day can help calm the body and mind and may help you enter the holiday feeling more relaxed.

Take Time to Breathe

Set aside five minutes each day for deep breathing. Slowly fill your abdomen with air, then exhale gently. This simple exercise can help regulate the body’s stress response.

Prioritize Good Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential for managing stress and anxiety. When you are well rested, you will be calmer, more patient, and better able to handle complex or emotional situations.

With preparation, balance, and self-care, it is possible to approach the holiday season with greater peace of mind and truly enjoy the celebrations.