5 Ways to De-Stress—And Stay Sane—During the Holidays
Nothing says the holidays like braving maddening airport crowds, eschewing prying questions at big family gatherings, or looming end-of-year work deadlines. With the perpetual golden glow of twinkly lights and a flurry of parties filling your calendar, it may be the merriest of seasons, but, by the same token, it can—and probably will—send your stress level into overdrive.
The good news is that the breadth of offerings that take high cortisol levels to task has never been greater, allowing for a release in tension and a feeling of ease during this spirited season. From calming neuroscientific wearables to the latest CBD oil elixir, here are five new ways to get through the most wonderful—yet laughably fraught—time of the year.
The Good Vibrations
Photo: Courtesy of thetouchpointsolution.com
As the gold medal winner of the 2018 Edison Awards, which recognizes groundbreaking technology in wellness, this anxiety-minimizing gadget lives up to the recognition. Using a neuroscience technology called BLAST, which stands for bilateral alternating stimulation–tactile, the wearable device administers gentle micro- vibrations on either side of the body that have been shown to reduce stress by 70 percent in as little as 30 seconds. While designed to help manage everyday triggers, it may prove particularly fruitful during chaotic holiday travel—or if you’re getting the third degree at the Thanksgiving table.
The Round-the-Clock Adaptogens
Cap Beauty The O’Clocks Adaptogenic Blend Collection, $204, capbeauty.com
Photo: Courtesy of capbeauty.com
A trio of adaptogenic blends perfect for morning, afternoon, and night by Los Angeles–based herbalist Rehmannia Dean Thomas, the O’Clocks collection leaves no proverbial body function-supporting stone unturned. Tailor-made for conquering stress, as well as regulating immune function, aiding digestion, and fighting inflammation throughout the highs and lows of the day, it does all the super-herb decoding for you. After all, during the busy months of November and December, who has the time?
The Under-Pressure Mat
Photo: Courtesy of doshamat.com
Where the ancient science of Ayurveda and alternative technique of acupressure meet: Dosha Mat’s 100 percent eco-friendly, ergonomically designed mat sneaks 4,500 acupressure points into a bed of sculptural lotus flowers. Offering up a laundry list of mind-body pacifying benefits including alleviating muscle soreness, boosting circulation, and inducing relaxation, it’s a more accessible alternative to acupuncture with its roll-up-and-go portability. Not to mention, it really does the trick after a long-haul flight.
The Full-Body Calm Droplets
Photo: Courtesy of plant.people.co
A half dropper of New York–based startup Plant People’s CBD elixir, blended from three different premium single-origin hemp strains from Colorado, and you’ll begin to chill out no matter what’s ailing you. The company’s founders, Hudson Gaines-Ross and Gabe Kennedy, liken the effect to a restorative warm bath. And over time, the nutty-tasting tincture, dispensed in your morning coffee or under the tongue for fastest absorption, will continue to whittle away at stress while aiding overall balance, from energizing adrenal support to long-term muscle-tension melting.
The Lullaby of Nightcaps
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Warmed up in the palm of your hand and inhaled, or rolled onto pulse points such as the inside of your wrists or décolletage, this nightstand essential will act as your secret weapon for a blissful night’s rest. Laced with calming watermelon seed and passionflower oils, as well as essential minerals such as sleep quality–improving magnesium, consider it an aromatic lullaby. Because during the holidays, dozing off should be the least of your worries.
*This article first appeared in VOGUE on November 18, 2018, by LAUREN VALENTI. To read the full article, click here.
