SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are upon us: the lights, the carols, the cookies... the endless to-do lists, surprise family dynamics, and the dreaded budget acrobatics. If you’ve ever found yourself muttering “I need a break” during the holidays, you’re not alone.

At Carl’s Drug Store, we believe that enjoying the season should not mean surrendering your health to the whirlwind. So let’s talk about what stress is doing inside your body this time of year — and how you might support yourself.

Stress isn’t just about feeling frazzled. It’s a biologic response. When your calendar has more entries than a Christmas shopping list, your brain and body go into “stay alert” mode. Your adrenal glands pump out cortisol (the “stress hormone”), your heart may beat a bit faster, digestion may slow down, sleep may get cut short, and your immune system can get taxed.

Here’s a breakdown of key effects:

Elevated cortisol and adrenaline — These hormones help you handle immediate threats (last-minute gift panic), but when they stay elevated chronically, they impact sleep, mood, blood sugar, and even pro-mote inflammation.

Poor sleep — With social events, late-night shopping, and sugar-rich treats, sleep suffers. That weakens resilience, lowers mood, and reduces your body’s ability to recover.

Weakened immune response — Stress suppresses parts of the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and viruses.

Digestive upset & appetite changes — Some people overeat holiday treats, others skip meals. Stress can slow digestion, trig-ger bloating, or prompt cravings.

Mood and cognitive impact — “Holiday stress” can look like irritability, brain fog, worry, or a sense of being “on edge”. In short: even though the holidays are sup-posed to be merry and bright, they can take a toll on your body’s equilibrium.

You may be wondering what you can do to stay balanced. We believe in a two-pronged approach: basic self-care + targeted sup-port. Here are some practical steps:

Prioritize sleep: Think of sleep as your “reset button”.

Move your body: A 10-minute walk helps clear stress hormones and boosts your mood.

Mindful moments: Deep breathing, meditation, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea helps cut the “stress signal” loop.

Watch the triggers: Sugar, caffeine, late nights, skipping meals — these amplify stress. Try moderation, and include nutrient-rich foods.

Support your body: Among the many tools we can offer is a high-quality supplement from Healthy Living Solutions—Advanced Stress Support (20% off in November).

This is not a magic pill, but one well-designed option that blends botanicals and calming amino acids to help your body adapt to stress and support clearer mood and better sleep. It includes Holy Basil (an adaptogen known for helping the body maintain balance under stress). Ashwagandha (a premium form associated with stress, vitality, and cognitive focus sup-port), L-Theanine and GABA (both of which support relaxation without drowsiness — so you can face the holiday hustle without turning into a couch potato elf).

During the holidays, you deserve more than surviving — you deserve thriving. The twinkle lights will stay through New Year’s, and your to-do list may grow. But while every-one else is trying to “do it all,” you can choose to care for yourself too. Because the best gift you can give yourself — and your loved ones — is your well-being.

Stop by and ask about how we can help you manage stress this season, or plan to join our free Stress Seminar. Let’s make this season not just busy, but balanced and joyful.