No one would argue that the holiday season brings fun into our lives. However, along with the fun comes stress. During the holidays, we tend to over-eat at the holiday buffets or skip meals during shopping trips, as we are too busy to take time out to eat. We get less sleep as we stay up later to wrap gifts, address Christmas cards, prepare the special holiday dishes, and party. We also have the added stress of shopping for just the right gift for each person on our list. Our immune systems take a beating and often take a break after the holidays. The result is often stress, fatigue and some type of respiratory infection. So how do you recover?

Your muscles’ primary source of fuel is glycogen. But, the extra holiday activities can quickly deplete your body’s supply, leaving you with that tired, washed out feeling after New Year’s. However, you can replenish that supply by making it habit to relax with a cup of hot chocolate. And if you use low-fat milk instead of water, you will gain some protein as well. One cup of cocoa a day will also lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Holiday stressors, such as over-eating, skipping meals, extra work and lack of sleep can weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to colds and flu. But if you work in 30 minutes a day of brisk walking you are more likely to remain sniffle-free.

Another way to stave off colds is to take 200 mg. of ginseng two times each day. A research study reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal established that people who took this supplement twice a day caught fewer colds and those who did catch cold experienced less severe ones.

It is also helpful to take a zinc supplement. Zinc is a mineral that your immune system employs in fighting off colds and flu. Zinc is also important for the production of energy. So if you are short on zinc, you can experience fatigue as well as be more vulnerable to colds. The recommended dose is 25 mg. to 30 mg. a day.

And if you drank too much, over-indulged or had too little sleep, try a dose of 200 mg. of rhodiola.

If you are having difficulty sleeping try a midnight snack of cheese and crackers. The cheese is high in calcium. Calcium aids in the production melatonin, your body’s sleep-regulating hormone. The crackers combined with the cheese provide a carb and protein snack that will help you sleep.

And if you’re still suffering from stress burnout, try lemon balm combined with valerian. This combination helps your brain produce GABA, a known calming chemical.

However, you should not add any herb or supplement to your diet without first consulting with your health care provider. This is particularly true if you are taking any type of medication. Each person’s body chemistry is different. What one person may easily tolerate could prompt an allergic reaction in another. Combining medications can also be dangerous for some people. But if your doctor thinks they are safe for you, they are effective stress-busters.