5 ways to thrive in the silly season

The silly season is here, bringing with it a mix of festive sparkle, hectic schedules and the challenge of staying balanced! It’s a whirlwind of shopping trips, office celebrations, family and friend catch ups, festive food and endless to do lists!

Let’s look at five practical ways to stay ahead while the silly season speeds up:

• Make a list for festive planning: keep track of gifts, events and errands in one place to help you stay organised and stress‑free when the silly season gets busy.
• Prioritise self-care: don’t let the celebrations drain you, take breaks to rest and recharge. Whether it’s a walk, reading a book or enjoying a coffee break, these small moments of solitude can help to restore balance.
• Keep your sleep steady: late nights are inevitable with the silly season but keeping a steady sleep routine will help sustain your energy levels. Even a quick daytime nap can make a difference.
• Manage stress proactively: the festive rush can sometimes feel overwhelming, so find simple ways to release tension such as deep breathing, yoga or journaling to help you stay calm and centred.
• Keep perspective: the silly season is about connection and joy, not perfection! So, focus on meaningful moments with family and friends rather than ticking every box.

If you’re looking for some extra support, there are some key active ingredients to support you through the silly season:

• Magnesium: an essential mineral involved in over 600 biochemical processes in the body including those that support nervous system health and a healthy stress response. Consider Herbs of Gold Magnesium Forte, featuring a high strength magnesium, from four well absorbed organic sources of magnesium to support a healthy stress response in the body, nervous system health and energy production.
• Crocus sativus (Saffron): derived from the Persian word za'fran, meaning "yellow", a reference to the rich carotenoids present in the flower’s stigma. It is well-recognised for its mood-supportive benefits. Consider Herbs of Gold Saffron Mood Balance, containing a patented and clinically studied (1). Saffron extract to support healthy mood balance, refreshing sleep, relieve symptoms of mild anxiety and help maintain emotional wellbeing. 
• Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): key herbs to support a healthy stress response in the body in times of stress. In Western herbal medicine Rhodiola is traditionally used as an adaptogen, while in Ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen. Licorice is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support healthy adrenal gland function. Consider Herbs of Gold Stress Ease, containing a blend of herbs, including Rhodiola, Ashwagandha and Licorice to support a healthy stress response in the body.

 Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

1. Kell, G., Rao, A., Beccaria, G., et al. (2017). affron® a novel saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) [...] mood in healthy adults over 4 weeks in a double-blind, parallel, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 33 (2), 58-64.