The end of the year brings with it a certain level of stress.

At work, winding down before the break means putting in some extra hours and time to ensure that all loose ends are tied up, and that things are in place so that 2020 doesn’t start with the wrong kind of bang.

Then you go on holiday, but that can be stressful, too. Travelling, family, and organising gatherings can take its toll. We love our relatives, but they can be tiring.

While everyone copes with stress in their own way, certain nutraceuticals have been proven to have a positive effect on stress. If you’re not getting enough of them from your diet, taking a stress supplement might be the over-the-counter version of a yoga class.

The experts at Body Renewal recommend the following five supplements:

Omega-3s

We all know omega-3s have amazing health benefits, particularly when it comes to protecting you from heart disease. Recent research has also shown a link between these good-for-you fatty acids and anxiety. One study found that people suffering from anxiety disorders typically have lower levels of omega-3s, while several others revealed that supplementation helped reduce the symptoms of clinical anxiety.

Vitamin B

The B vitamin group has long been hailed as a stress buster and with good reason. They help maintain a healthy nervous system, by ensuring you get enough of them can stabilise your mood. Also, vitamin B6 and B12 play an active role in the creation of serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter, attaching to GABA receptors that result in a calming effect. While it occurs naturally in your body, many people simply don’t make enough of it.

Several studies have shown that when given a GABA supplement, participants experienced reduced levels of stress while performing problem-solving tasks.

L-theanine

If you struggle with anxiety, you might benefit greatly from L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves. It’s been proven to promote a sense of calm and can reduce a resting heart rate, but without any drowsiness, so you could easily take it while on the clock.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays such a vital role in the health of your brain, heart, and muscles that you’d think your body would manufacture it, but it doesn’t. You need to get it from your diet and many people, particularly those who don’t eat enough leafy greens, end up deficient.

Holiday food isn’t known for its greens, so a magnesium supplement might not be a bad idea over the season.

If you’re unsure about which supplements to take, or which supplements are most needed, why not sit down with a Renewal Institute doctor, who can help you figure it all out.

Visit the Body Renewal website to set up and appointment.

Stress isn’t going anywhere, but you don’t have to let it get you down.