The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but let’s be honest, they can also be overwhelming. Between family gatherings, endless to-do lists, travel, and extra spending, even the most festive among us can feel stretched thin. The problem? Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts nearly every major system in your body.

Stress can contribute to GI problems[1], cancer[2], diabetes, stroke, asthma, allergies, insomnia, and even cognitive decline.[3] For men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction; for women, it often worsens perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.[4]

Here’s the good news: You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can build resilience to it. Short-term, “good” stress—like weight training, learning something new, or taking a cold plunge—can strengthen your body. It’s the chronic, never-ending kind that does harm. And unfortunately, the holidays pile on more than their share.

So, this year, instead of adding more pressure, try shifting how you nourish your body. What you eat can either increase your stress—or become one of your most powerful defenses against it.

Here’s how:

Eat 30 Different Plant Varieties Each Week

Gut health and mental health are deeply connected. Aim to eat a rainbow of fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices—yes, spices count! Add turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, or Himalayan salt to your meals. One serving of VitaHustle ONE contains over 80 superfoods, helping you hit your antioxidant and phytonutrient goals with ease.

Prioritize Quality Protein

Protein keeps your blood sugar stable and your brain focused—two key factors in managing stress. Choose grass-fed beef, organic eggs, wild-caught fish, and clean, high-quality supplements like VitaHustle ONE (20 grams of protein) or VitaHustle MAX (30 grams). Pair this with resistance training to maintain muscle and support metabolism through the holidays.

Stay Hydrated

Stress and sugar both dehydrate your body. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily—and mix VitaHustle with 12-14 ounces for an added nutrient boost and hydration support.

Add Adaptogens

Adaptogens help your body handle stress more gracefully. Ashwagandha. This ancient herb helps lower cortisol and adrenaline, supports sleep, and boosts cognitive function. Two servings of VitaHustle a day give you 600 mg—just the right amount for stress resilience and mental clarity.

I changed the trajectory of my life when my mother died way too young from dementia. My podcast StRest, the lectures and workshops I give, and my entire career is now focused on helping people reduce damaging stress and increase reliance.

This holiday season, don’t let stress steal your joy. Move your body, get good sleep, limit alcohol, lean into meaningful relationships, and give your body the nutrition it needs to thrive.

Because when you fuel your body right—with whole foods and high-quality supplements like VitaHustle—you’re not just surviving the holidays. You’re strengthening yourself for every season ahead.

With love and wellness,

Kerstin Lindquist

VitaHustle Chief Wellness Coach

Host of the StRest Podcast