If a pill could reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, boost mood, and enhance immune function, everyone would take it. A quick-fix solution like that is exactly what everyone wants, but such a pill does not exist. Fortunately, you can practice gratitude, which can provide all of those aforementioned health benefits, according to several studies. 

Clinical trials indicate that regularly practicing gratitude can have a long-lasting effects on a person’s well-being. It may help improve immune response, contribute to better sleep, and even lower blood pressure. A recent study found that people who were more grateful had better heart health, specifically less inflammation and better heart rhythms. Another study found that people who kept a gratitude journal had a reduced intake of dietary fats – as much as 25% lower than those who did not keep a gratitude journal. 

What’s The Right Amount Of Gratitude?

You should practice gratitude daily, plain and simple. If that magic pill existed, you’d take it every day, so that’s why gratitude has a place in your everyday life. In fact, starting your day by thinking of someone or something that you’re grateful for can set you on a healthier path. Send a family member or friend a funny text or thoughtful message. Ask your barista how their day is going when you get coffee. At the end of the day, consider writing three things that you appreciate about your life in a gratitude journal. 

Behavior Changes Biology

Your behavior changes biology, meaning that positive gestures benefit the body. The way this works is that the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people. Oxytocin is often referred to as “the love hormone” because it aids better connections. Thanking people for their efforts or who they are also benefits them, as they feel appreciated and valued. Sharing kindness and gratitude can make both partiers happier!

Decrease Stress Levels

According to research, thinking about what you appreciate can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, the calming part of the nervous system. Researchers note that this can have protective effects on the body, one of which is the reduction in cortisol levels. Cortisol is healthy in certain amounts, but high levels can impair sleep, increase anxiety, and cause overeating, among other things. By reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin, you ultimately feel more love and have a drive to continue expressing gratitude. 

Increase Positive Emotions

If you want higher levels of positive emotions, including joy, pleasure, happiness, and optimism, gratitude is your ticket. Researchers concur that people who regularly practice gratitude have stronger social relationships and fewer feelings of isolation and loneliness. This may result from being more generous, compassionate, and forgiving. A recent study found that gratitude may also reduce the frequency or duration of depressive episodes. 

Improve Physical Health

In addition to the mental and social benefits, practicing gratitude can also improve physical health. Research studies show that people who practice gratitude are more likely to exercise regularly and take better care of their physical health. These results are consistent among a study of people with neuromuscular disease. Additional studies show that highly gracious people sleep better and have fewer body pains and aches. 

You can easily practice gratitude in everyday life. There’s no need to dwell on imperfections or negative emotions because recognizing and appreciating what’s around you is more conducive to your mental and physical health. Simple tricks to help practice gratitude every day include:

• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Writing thank you notes, texts, emails, or calling people on the phone
• Starting a gratitude jar to pay it forward
• Giving mental “thank yous” (to people you aren’t able to acknowledge in other ways)
• Practice meditation or prayer

SHARE:

The post Be Thankful: Science Says Gratitude Is Good For Your Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Remember the famous talk about all things sex, bodily changes, puberty, and all that jazz? You probably never felt more uncomfortable, but it was only to inform you about the coming changes in your life. The conversation can change for women around middle school, given that menstrual cycles occur around then. 

There is a lot to learn and a lot to inform about menstrual cycles. Some people are told correct information, while others gather information from rumors and believe whatever they hear. For example, boys may think women bleed forever and attract bears. This is simply not the case and we are here to set the record straight, emphasizing six period myths that everyone needs to forget. 

It’s OK To Dismiss Feelings While On Your Period

There is a physical change in a woman’s body while she is on her period. In the days leading up to menstruation, levels of estrogen plummet and progesterone levels increase. Estrogen is linked to serotonin, the happy hormone, and progesterone is linked to the area of the brain associated with anxiety, depression, and fear. While progesterone may depress some emotions, it does have a mood-balancing effect. Don’t write off drastic mood changes as “just hormones;” rather, mood changes that happen because of hormones are very real. That should not invalidate anyone’s feelings!

Period Blood Is Dirty Blood

It’s a complete myth, and false way of thinking, to think that period blood is dirty blood. It is not blood that the body rejects, nor is it a way to flush out toxins. Think of period blood as evolved vaginal secretion, containing a bit of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria. That does not change whether a woman can or cannot have sex. It simply means that period blood is different from blood that runs through veins. It is actually less concentrated blood and has fewer blood cells than traditional blood. 

Women Are Always On “That Time Of The Month”

To clear things up, a woman’s menstrual cycle is not the same as her period. Menstruation refers to the time that a woman bleeds, while a menstrual cycle is the entire time from the start of one period to the next. Some women’s cycles are longer, while others can be shorter. Travel, weight fluctuation, emotions, medications, and more can affect when a woman’s period occurs. Comments like “women are always on their time of the month” are both inaccurate and not appreciated. Just like every woman, every period is unique. 

Period Is Pain Is Just Like Anything You’ve Experienced

Headaches and hitting your knee on the couch do not compare to the pain a woman experiences during her period. Some women have to call out of work, curl up in bed, or pray that the cramps will subside. That is called dysmenorrhea, and about 20% of women have it so severe that it interferes with daily activities. The pain makes it difficult to concentrate, causes anxiety, and makes everything unpleasant. It is unfair to compare it to regular pain that people experience on a daily basis. 

Hormones Define Women

For years, women have been accused of being too “hormonal” all the time. Some men equate the feelings women have to feelings of hysteria, as though it is some sort of illness. That does not explain female behavior because everyone has hormones and nobody likes them to be messed with. One study on male contraception was discontinued because male participants could not handle the side effects of injection pain, acne, and emotional issues. Women accept those same side effects taking various forms of birth control, even if it negatively affects them. 

Periods Are Shameful

End the conversation that periods are gross, shameful, or dirty and they won’t be such a “crisis.” The truth is that this “shame” is ingrained into society, as though it is a huge embarrassment that women must overcome to enter society. There is no need to whisper about the need for a tampon or pad. Periods are normal, not out of the ordinary. Ditch the stigma and change this cycle (pardon the pun) to encourage positive talk about periods and menstrual cycles.

SHARE:

The post 6 Period Myths We Have To Set Straight appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Meet Kaya. After losing her father and going through the end of a relationship, Kaya turned to food for comfort. Slowly, the healthy habits she once had began to slip away. Grief and heartbreak took a toll – not just emotionally, but physically too. She knew she needed a reset. That’s when AD stepped in with the Full Body Cleanse, helping her rebuild structure, discipline, and self-care. Kaya didn’t just lose weight – she reclaimed control, dropping 30 lbs and finding her strength again. Sometimes the weight we carry isn’t just physical. But with the right support, you can start over – and come back stronger.

SHARE:

The post How She Broke The Emotional Eating Cycle appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Why would you want to build resilience? Well, building resilience helps you overcome challenges, grow as a person, and face adversity. Unfortunately, you are not born with resilience, but anyone can practice and build it. Through various self-care practices, you can not only stay emotionally and mentally well, but also move through hard times and learn from experiences. This year, make it a point to become stronger and more resilient with these mental health practices. 

Set Realistic Goals

In order to set yourself up for success, you have to set realistic goals, which is essentially the practice of breaking down challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks. Not only will you build resilience by meeting your goals more often, but you’ll also move forward more quickly. If you want to run a 5K, for example, and you do not have a regular running routine, you cannot expect to be race-ready in a week’s time. Gradually build up your skills as a runner, jogging more each day until you have built up enough endurance to run one mile. Then you can run two miles and be closer to your 5K. 

• Break up those bigger goals into smaller steps. 
• Commit to each step and work toward your goal with a daily practice.
• Make sure each of your steps is realistic and doable. 
• Celebrate each accomplishment. 
• Gather support by reaching out to people who are working toward similar goals.

Build Problem-Solving Skills

Solving problems effectively is a great way to build resilience. To become more adept at problem-solving, you have to develop the knowledge and skillset to tackle problems with strategies that work. Consider these steps:

• Begin by identifying the problem you want to solve.
• Do your best to describe the problem by either writing it down or voicing it out loud.
• Try to determine the cause of the problem before trying to solve it.
• Think of several possible solutions for the problem. 
• Not the results and continue experimenting until you find a solution. 
• Having the right mindset will get you that much closer to solving the problem. 

Develop A Growth Mindset

When you have a growth mindset, you can see life’s challenges as new opportunities to learn. Basically, a growth mindset is the belief your abilities are not fixed; rather, you can develop new strengths and skills at any time. When you encounter something difficult, you do not retreat. You face the situation head on with the understanding that you will emerge a stronger person on the other side, and that you may learn a lesson to benefit you in the future. To help cultivate a growth mindset:

• Have realistic expectations of what you can accomplish. 
• Learn to embrace imperfections.
• Embrace the journey of learning via experience. 
• Learn to value and accept any and all criticism. 
• Reframe your idea of what failure means and learn from mistakes. 
• Give yourself the time and space to work through challenges or problems. 

Don’t Forget About Self-Care

What does self-care mean, and how does it help you build resilience? Well, you cannot move through difficult situations if you are not emotionally, mentally, and physically well. Self-care is any activity or practice that nourishes you. That could be reading a book in a bubble bath, meditating, or watching a couple episodes of your favorite show while doing a facial skin care routine. Common self-care practices include:

• Eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. 
• Practicing daily habits that help relieve stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
• Prioritizing sleep.
• Writing and reflecting on thoughts, feelings, or life experiences. 
• Engaging in regular physical activity that you actually enjoy.

Embrace Change And Be Flexible

The last thing you want to be is rigid when it comes to building resilience. Life is about embracing change and adapting to things when you encounter them. Your resilience is dependent on your ability to change directions when necessary. It’s also about appreciating imperfections and learning from unexpected things or experiences. Some ways you can do this are as follows:

• Try to look at the bigger picture and know that overreacting to something difficult does not help you move forward. 
• Understand that change is a part of life and that even if things get shaky, the only thing you can control is your reaction. 
• Try to maintain some hope, even if life throws you a few curveballs. Difficult situations can be unexpected, but the same applies for good situations. 
• Become more mindful of fixed thoughts, such as, “There is no way I’m doing that.” Or, “Everything is going to be this way forever!”

SHARE:

The post Cultivate Resilience With These Mental Health Practices appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

For a lot of people, the hype of the holidays can bring a lot of excitement, joy, and lots of nostalgia. For others, the holiday season can bring up past trauma, estranged relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Even if that isn’t the case, the holidays are like an emotional rollercoaster. You go from intense levels of holiday activities to very low energy, which can seem like peace, but the emotional result is often depression.

What Are The Post-Holiday Blues?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the holiday blues are characterized by feelings of anxiety and stress that stem from a variety of reasons. A 2015 survey found that about 64% of people reported that they experienced the post-holiday blues. Financial stress, an inability to make it home for the holidays, and the emotional whirlwind of emotions after the holidays finish can all cause bouts of depression. Plus, seasonal depression is more common than you think, with about 14% of American adults experiencing the winter blues. 

If you are dealing with feelings of stress or depression, please understand that you are not alone. There are many ways to manage your symptoms and get the help you need. The post-holiday blues can affect people who may or may not be dealing with depression already. The following signs are common indicators of post-holiday blues:

• Activities are more difficult than normal
• Difficulty getting out of bed or struggling to make food
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Having trouble concentrating
• Losing interest in things that used to bring you joy

Don’t let the post-holiday blues control your life. Take action and manage your mental health, working through your feelings to start anew. We hope that the following tips help you beat the post-holiday blues. 

Get Out Of The House

Cut the atmosphere of being in a house that doesn’t have any holiday activities or aromas by getting out of your home. Even on a gray or snowy day, step outside to raise your energy levels. If it is really cold where you are, make sure to bundle up so as not to freeze. You can combine your outing by meeting a friend at a local coffee shop. Consider chatting with the cashier at the grocery store, the mail carrier, or even the gas station attendant. Getting out of your house is a great way to interrupt the winter blues. 

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking and the holidays seem to be quite synonymous, especially during holiday celebrations. The intake of libations tends to continue long after the celebrations come to a close, though. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can only enhance feelings of sadness, especially if you are alone. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings, even if you push them down deep. Avoid alcohol if you can and consider doing something productive, like taking down decorations, getting rid of old clothes, or volunteer at a local shelter to help out those in need.

Talk To Someone Verbally

It’s easy to send a text, direct message, or email, but it means so much more when you communicate verbally. Think about someone that you enjoy being around or care about and call that person on the phone. Rather than complaining about your mood, ask them how they are doing. What was the best part of their holiday weekend, or where did they have the most fun? If you feel that someone may not answer their phone, you can send a text saying that you want to chat for a few minutes. 

Reread Greeting Cards

Greeting cards, or holiday cards, are not as common as they used to be, but people still send them and they can bring a smile to your face. We aren’t going to lie: some greeting cards are bland and boring. For every few bad greeting cards, you get a great one that you hopefully save. When the holidays are over, bust out the greeting cards to reread them and figure out which ones are your favorites. Don’t ruminate in your depression when you can easily brighten your spirits by reading words from a friend, family member, or loved one. 

Slide Out Of The Holidays

If you are going to sit on the couch and watch TV or do another activity, make sure that it is not holiday-related. It may not seem likely, but you can easily go down the rabbit hole of what you just lost. Take care of your mental health by taking your mind off the holidays and directing your gaze toward the new year. There are many things to do to wrap up the year! Consider getting a head start on your health goals, or start cleaning to have a neat and tidy home for New Year’s Day.

SHARE:

The post Helpful Tips To Beat The Post-Holiday Blues appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Winter can seem like a very romantic time because something about cozying up seems romantic. There are various activities that seem to exclude single people, and there’s no fun in seeing everyone couple up. You don’t have to let couples enjoy an entire season while you sit it out and let your emotions get the better of you.

Regardless of your relationship status, you should always date yourself. That can mean different things for different people, but the general gist is enjoying alone time and treating yourself right. You don’t need to rely on anyone else during this alone time, which can often help relieve stress. There’s nothing like the winter season to start dating yourself. Continue reading to learn where to begin.

Go Ice Skating

As a quick note: don’t go ice skating on a questionable lake by yourself in the middle of nowhere. Ice skating at a holiday rink or on a public frozen pond can seem like a winter date idea, but it isn’t just an activity for couples. Going alone can be just as fun and you don’t have to worry about your skill level, so there is less pressure to “be good.” No need to impress anyone, so bundle up and head to the skating rink, get out on the ice, get in some exercise, and enjoy a hot beverage when you’re done. 

Take Yourself To A Show

You don’t have to spend your night in the house just because it’s cold outside. You can enjoy a night indoors and leave your house, too! Take yourself to a concert, show, comedy show, or movie. You can enjoy it with a friend or date, but there are many perks to attending shows alone. You don’t have to worry about abandoning anyone or worrying whether the person is enjoying it or not.

Teach Yourself Something New

One of the best ways to occupy your time and engage your brain is to learn something new. Consider learning a new language with an app or sign up for a drawing or pottery class. You can also take the time to learn a new instrument. There are so many informational tutorials for beginners and experts alike. You can teach yourself via these online videos or courses. The great thing about learning a new skill is that you might learn something new about yourself in the process!

Have A Nostalgia Night

Do you remember the days of living room forts and staying up all night watching TV or playing games? Adulthood doesn’t mean that you have to give up on those nights! Keep your memories alive and make new ones by building a cozy adult fort with pillows and blankets. Spend the night revisiting old TV shows and movies you love. If you have a record player and vinyl records, have a night where you enjoy a glass or two of wine and just listen to your favorite records from front to back. Make some snacks or go out and buy a few favorites from your youth. The possibilities on a nostalgia night are endless!

Cook A Fancy Dinner

This doesn’t just have to be a wintertime activity because you deserve a fancy dinner whenever you want one. Most fancy dinners are labor intensive, so you may not want to go through the effort all the time. That said, consider taking yourself out to dinner if you don’t have the right ingredients or culinary tools on hand. Preparing a quality meal from scratch, while it requires time, often delivers a great sense of accomplishment. Not only will you feel proud of yourself for pulling the dish off, but you’ll also make your taste buds happy.

SHARE:

The post 5 Solo Activities To Enjoy During The Winter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you think of the holidays, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, festive cheer, and time with friends and family come to mind. Too many people understand that the holidays typically bring about stress and pressure. Planning gatherings, hosting parties, and managing financial concerns are just a few things that come with the season. That’s why we recommend you take some time for self-care in order to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

What Is Self-Care?

In a nutshell, self-care is any action or effort that preserves or improves your overall health or wellbeing. That is especially true during periods of stress. Self-care is especially important during the holidays, as it balances the pressure you put on yourself or what others put on you to fulfill expectations. Create a buffer for yourself using self-care practices, which can look different for everyone. Some people may need a relaxing bath, while others may simply need to say no to holiday commitments. Consider the following self-care tips to have a stress-free holiday. 

Make Time For Movement

Physical activity, even if it is a brisk walk in the crisp winter air during your lunch break, is a great way to relieve stress. Find time to move in ways that are supportive to your body. Gentle movements, such as yoga or stretching, can be highly beneficial, especially if you sit all day for work. During time with family, spend time walking around the neighborhood and admire the lights.

Practice Positive Affirmations

A simple practice of saying positive affirmations for a couple minutes every day can help reinforce a sense of inner peace. You can also meditate for five minutes every day to help reduce stress and center yourself. Alternatively, practice gratitude by keeping a daily gratitude journal. Write down five things (big or small) that you are grateful for!

Set Healthy Boundaries

This tip applies to family or friends, because you should always do what is comfortable for you. Attend the number of events that you want, know your limits, and do not be afraid to communicate them with friends or families. Just remember that it is perfectly acceptable to turn down invitations or delegate tasks during chaotic times. 

Stay Hydrated

With all the hustle and bustle, you can easily forget to both eat and drink water. Drinking water throughout the day can help improve digestion, manage stress, prevent unnecessary snacking, and improve overall wellbeing. If you are not great about drinking water, carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times. You can even set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to drink more water. 

Stick To A Budget

Be mindful of what you can and cannot afford in order to reduce financial stress this holiday season. Plan your spending and stick to it! Use budgeting apps to help you avoid over-spending and remember that it is ultimately the thought behind the gift that means more than how much you spend. 

Take Social Breaks

Socializing can take a lot out of you, so it is no wonder that you feel exhausted after attending a party or gathering. It is essential to incorporate solitary quiet time to help you reconnect with yourself. Look for moments in your schedule where you can schedule solitude, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Consider meditating or doing your affirmations during this time as well. 

Express Emotions Openly

The holidays can stir up a mixture of emotions. Do not hold these feelings inside; rather, allow yourself the freedom to express what you are feeling, be it joy, sadness, stress, etc. Keep a journal or schedule a weekly call with someone you trust and can openly vent to. Sharing emotions with someone you trust can be incredibly relieving, so do not be afraid to seek support this holiday season.

SHARE:

The post Self-Care Tips To Have A Stress-Free Holiday  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The holiday season can be very uplifting for a lot of people, but not everyone feels that way. It’s very common for stress to overwhelm the mind and body during this time of year. Perhaps the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones proves too much. Hosting a large family gathering, or traveling to meet family can also induce a lot of stress. 

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Mental health experts agree that setting clear boundaries can make a big difference in preserving your mental and emotional health. A healthy boundary can be defined as such: your list of what is okay and what is not okay. That means you have to clearly establish what you are comfortable with before encountering certain situations. Perhaps you are sober and attend a holiday party. Some friends or family members come and try to get you to drink, but you have to let them know that you are content without imbibing. Your uncle treats you like a child even though you are 40 years old. Whatever the case, you feel frustrated, and that is where healthy boundaries enter the equation. 

Define Priorities

Before you even think about setting boundaries, make sure you understand what your priorities are. Are there aspects of the holiday season that are meaningful to you? Is it important to spend time with immediate family, reconnect with old friends, or spend time alone? Make sure to understand your priorities, as that understanding will guide you to set boundaries that set you up for success. 

Communicate Openly

Do not be afraid to share your intentions and needs with people. If they truly care about you, then they will respect these boundaries because they are important to you. Honest conversations can prevent conflict and misunderstanding. In fact, your loved ones are more likely to respect your wishes if you explain where you are coming from and why these boundaries matter. 

Create A Budget

This is more of a personal boundary that can help you avoid stress regarding gift giving. Financial stress is very common during the holidays, as many people often spend beyond their means. Setting a budget for holiday spending can help you avoid financial stress. That means that you have to plan your budget for holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses ahead of time. The most important thing: stick to that budget!

Politely Decline

You do not have to say yes to every single party invitation or holiday request that comes your way. There is great power in the ability to say no. You can politely decline when you need to, and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In fact, saying no to things is a great way to conserve your energy for things that matter the most. Whether you know it or not, saying know is a great way to practice self-care and set boundaries simultaneously. 

Prioritize Self-Care

Speaking of self-care, it is very easy to forget about yourself during the holidays. It is difficult to take care of yourself when there is so much to do. Find moments for yourself and do things you love during those moments. Go to the gym, watch a movie, read a book, meditate, or practice writing in a journal. Do not be afraid to recharge your batteries and show yourself love. Consider gifting yourself a massage or facial!

Congratulate Yourself

You stood your ground, you said no, you shared what mattered to you, and then some. Great job! Being vulnerable, honest, and respectful is not easy, but you did it! Sometimes, it takes a little force to establish boundaries, but people will respect them if they care about you. People may get upset at your boundaries, but don’t worry about that. Setting boundaries will help you feel more confident about setting new ones when the time comes. At that time, you’ll have the knowledge and power to set them even more clearly!

SHARE:

The post How To Set Healthy Boundaries During The Holidays appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that a dark cloud of stress is looming over the upcoming holiday season. Americans are sweating about the economy, so the stress is more amplified than in years past. The most recent Healthy Minds poll from the APA is just one out of a series of polls to track public sentiment on mental health issues year round. 

The latest results come from online interviews that the APA conducted. These interviews took place over two days (November 4th & 5th, 2025), and included more than 2,200 adults. There was a margin of error plus or minus two percentage points for these interviews. 

What Is The Biggest Overall Concern?

After analyzing the interviews, researchers found that 75% of all respondents stated that they are very or somewhat anxious about the economy. Close behind that number one concern was healthcare, with 71% saying that they are somewhat or very anxious about that. When the respondents were specifically asked about the upcoming holidays, 41% stated they anticipate more seasonal stress this year compared to years past. That percentage is a significant increase since 2024, which had 28%, and 2023, which had 23%. 

The report suggests that 48% of participants were most worried about missing a loved one or experiencing grief. About 46% of participants expressed worry about affording holiday gifts. Researchers noted that one-third of the participants cited concerns about family dynamics or feeling lonely. The poll concluded that one in five participants said that end-of-year holidays have a negative impact on their mental health. 

There Is A Bright Side

Nearly 50% of the participants said that the holiday season is a generally positive experience for their mental health. The experience of seeing family and friends, eating delicious food, and giving and receiving gifts were among the top activities participants looked forward to the most. And even though some people dread the holiday season, which can come with some level of stress, it is a time for familial connections, fun, and fellowship. Make the holiday season something to look forward to. After all, research shows that being future-oriented is positive for your mental health. 

These Results Do Not Surprise Experts

Mental health experts note that anxiety is one of the most commonly-experienced conditions for adults in the United States. For this reason, the results of the poll are not surprising. Political stress, toxic news cycles, and comparing oneself to unrealistic depictions seen on social media are just a few common causes of anxiety. Additionally, more people feel more comfortable now reporting their experience with anxiety, which also explains the increase in numbers from previous years. 

Holiday-induced anxiety can creep up around this time of year, regardless of whatever else is happening. Anxiety tends to show up subtly and may reveal itself through irritability, difficulty concentrating, or tension in the body. Those symptoms occur long before it becomes overwhelming. 

Can You Manage Holiday Stress? 

The best thing to do if you experience holiday stress is to ask for help. By seeking support from your family members or friends, you can help delegate tasks and lighten your emotional load. It’s also important to simplify your to-do list, as differentiating between necessary obligations and optional tasks can free up some time. Practice gratitude because that’s what the holiday season is truly about. People with regular gratitude practices, such as writing in a gratitude journal, tend to experience more positive physical and emotional benefits. Lastly, if anxiety is too intense or long-lasting, consider professional support. You do not need to tackle it alone, and even the act of seeking help tends to lift a little weight off your shoulders.

SHARE:

The post Americans Are Very Anxious About The Holiday Season appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving Day is a whirlwind of a day. It involves a lot of cooking time, a marathon of eating, and time spent with loved ones. Maybe you turn on the Macy’s parade or watch some football games before you pile on the calories. However you celebrate this holiday, one thing is for certain: about 70% of the American population feels stressed about the holiday’s arrival. 

Thanksgiving can induce stress for a variety of reasons. If you are in charge of cooking the meal, you have a lot of prep work today for the arrival of your guests. That can be quite stressful, but it’s also possible to feel anxiety or strong emotions about going to Thanksgiving dinner at a relative’s house. Maybe you had to take two flights and an Uber in peak holiday travel to make it. Perhaps you just have anxiety about aunts and uncles asking about your employment. Whatever the case, there are many things that can induce stress over this feast of a holiday. Fortunately, there are also strategies that can help you manage stress, and we detail them below.

Consume To Enjoy And Don’t Eat Your Feelings

The Thanksgiving spread is full of calorically dense, rich entrees, sides, and desserts. We are not here to dissuade a generally healthy person from an extra spoonful of gravy or an additional slice of pie. Are you enjoying an extra serving just to do so, or is a fully loaded second plate your way of coping with feelings of stress or anxiety? Overeating and over-drinking are unhealthy coping mechanisms that are all too common around the holidays. Consume festive food with people out of merriment, not to bury negative feelings. 

Set Boundaries

If you want to avoid stress and anxiety around Thanksgiving, or any holiday celebration with family, make sure to set boundaries regarding certain discussion topics. For whatever reason, there is always one family member that likes to stir the pot. Perhaps they bring up who they voted for or what their foreign policy opinions are. There will likely be a lot of election anxiety, as a result of the aftermath, and opinions are stronger than ever. Set a boundary by sending a loving email requesting that everyone leave their political opinions at the door for Thanksgiving. Request that you do not want to talk about any religious, socioeconomic, or other issues that are touchy subjects. Keep the conversation light-hearted and loving to keep stress levels down.

Embrace Gratitude

There is great power in gratitude. Being thankful for things that are good in life, even the smallest things, can lead to mental health improvements. According to one analysis of 70 studies, there is an association between higher levels of gratitude and lower levels of depression. The same report found that reaffirming gratitude for 15 minutes per day, five times per week, can enhance mental awareness. A separate meta-analysis of 64 randomized trials found that participants who underwent gratitude interventions experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try your best to express gratitude on a day that represents being thankful. If you do not wish to speak your feelings of gratitude out loud with family, consider writing in a gratitude journal and reflect on it around Christmas or the New Year. 

Be Mindful Of Your Triggers

There are certain people and situations that just seem to push your buttons like no other. This is especially true during the holiday season. As you enter Thanksgiving, be mindful of this and recognize your potential triggers before you encounter them. That way, you can practice coping skills and prepare how you will react to those triggers. You can reframe your thoughts, employ progressive muscle relaxation, or use breathing techniques to help reduce anxiety and stress. A few common triggers are:

• Excessive crowds in shopping centers and grocery stores
• Travel issues, including flight delays and accommodation struggles
• Issues that come about when you host Thanksgiving
• Interactions and disagreements with certain family members

Exercise

Fatigue and laziness often accompany Thanksgiving stress and anxiety. Stave off your lethargy by incorporating or increasing exercise into the days leading up to the big feast. You are not trying to burn extra calories so that you can eat more; rather, the goal of exercising is to promote mental wellness. Exercise helps to trigger a brain-body response through the healthy release of dopamine. When you exercise outdoors, that dopamine release is combined with an increase in serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that may help reduce anxiety and stress.

SHARE:

The post Managing Mental Health This Thanksgiving appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.