Useful tips for a better pre-Christmas period for you and your family

The annual Christmas celebrations are coming up soon and it's easy to forget about yourself in the midst of it all. The stress and rush to get everything ready for Christmas is something we've all experienced.

When we stood at Alta's largest shopping mall with our stand last weekend, we saw this rush and stress up close. It wasn't easy to convey our message when most people were naturally rushing past with blinders on. So we decided to write a blog about it instead.

It is perhaps especially around Christmas time that our products, in addition to good lifestyle choices, become extra important and can help you have a better pre-Christmas period.

Stress, stress, stress

You probably know yourself, when the Christmas peace finally subsides and the body can relax, we end up getting the flu. How typical is that? That's why we want to give you some tips so that you don't have to be sick during the Christmas holidays.

Stress reduces our immune system and makes us more susceptible to flu and colds. In addition, stress can lead to several negative effects on our body:

1. Psychological effects

• Increased anxiety and irritability: Many people experience the pressure to do everything "perfect" – from buying gifts to hosting Christmas celebrations – which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or irritability.
• Mental exhaustion: With many tasks to juggle (work, Christmas preparations, social activities), it can lead to the feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Social stress: Spending time with family and friends during the holiday season can sometimes lead to conflict or social exhaustion.

2. Physical effects

• Sleep problems: Worries and time pressure can lead to poor sleep quality or insomnia.
• High blood pressure: Increased stress can activate the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate.
• Weakened immune system: Stress during the pre-Christmas period can reduce the immune system, making us more susceptible to colds or flu.
• Muscle pain and headaches: Physical tension from stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, and cause headaches.

3. Behavioral consequences

• Poor food choices: During stressful periods, many people resort to unhealthy eating or overeating, which can worsen stress levels.
• Less physical activity: Busy days can reduce time and energy for exercise, which could otherwise help with stress management.
• Increased alcohol consumption: Some people use alcohol as a way to relax, but this can worsen both physical and mental health.

How to handle stress in the best possible way?

• Plan early: Make lists and prioritize tasks to avoid last-minute panic.
• Set realistic expectations: Perfection is unattainable – the most important thing is to create good memories.
• Share the responsibility: Involve the family in the preparations so that one person doesn't do everything.
• Take breaks: Set aside time for yourself with relaxing activities like exercise, reading, or meditation.
• Practice saying no: It's okay to limit social obligations and focus on what brings joy.
• Remember what matters: Reflect on what truly makes the holidays special to you – often it's quality time with loved ones, not material things.
• Prioritize exercise: Even though time is often tight, you can prioritize exercise over anything else you normally do. Try eating lunch while you work and taking a short walk during your lunch break.
• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is the alpha and omega in a stressful everyday life.
• Breathe in, breathe out: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
• Supplements: Make sure you're not lacking nutrients that are particularly good for managing stress.

These supplements from us are extra important during the pre-Christmas stress:

1. Magnesium

• Effect: Magnesium plays a key role in regulating the nervous system. Magnesium deficiency can worsen stress, anxiety and sleep problems.
• Recommendation: Magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate, which we have in our Triple Magnesium, can be good choices for relaxation, the nervous system, sleep and blood pressure.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

• Effect: Omega-3 can reduce inflammation and balance stress hormones, which can help relieve anxiety and improve mood.
• Recommendation: Our Omega-3 Krill consists of the same type of fatty acids as our cells and is therefore better absorbed by the body than fish oil. Particularly effective for the brain and can improve memory.

3. Vitamin D3

• Effect: Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of stress, anxiety and depression. It can also weaken the immune system.
• Recommendation: If you live in areas with little sunlight, a vitamin D supplement may be helpful. Try our vitamin D chewable tablet with Nordic cranberries - high absorption!

We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season 😍