Enjoy the beauty of the winter this year
Whether you're trying to choose the perfect gift or struggling to cook the lunch, Christmas can be a stressful time of year.
Before you reach for the brown paper bag and start hyper ventilating, why not try nature's chill pill?
Studies have shown that L-Theanine can help reduce heart rate and inhibit release of cortisol - the stress hormone.
Research has demonstrated that L-theanine creates a sense of relaxtion in approximately 30-40 minutes after ingestion, something like Nature's Best L-Theanine, so you can safely take one an hour before cooking or just before you head off to the shops.
Research has also shown that tension headches are often prevalent on Christmas day, with a quarter of Brits suffering from them.
Dr. Mark Cropley, Health Psychologist, University of Surrey says: “Tension headaches, as they are medically known, are often triggered by stress which causes the muscles in the neck and temples to stiffen”. 
It's not advised to drink heavily if you take ibruprofen or paracetamol, so during the festive period you could try a topical analgesic like Tiger Balm White, proven to help treat tension headaches.
Depression affects around five million people in the UK, they suddenly feel unmotivated, dejected and generally unhappy. And for two million, these periods of low mood hit in the winter.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the Winter Blues, is officially recognised by Doctors and Psychiatrists as a medical condition which is triggered through lack of sunshine and women are twice as likely to suffer than men.
Independent Nutritionist, Dr Sam Christie, Nature’s Best 5-HTP, says: "As the name suggests, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood 'disorder' and is associated with the winter months when the amount of daylight hours are at their lowest.
"The most common symptoms of SAD are sadness or depression, fatigue, letargy, anxiety and social withdrawal. As the number of daylight hours increases, these symptoms improve and in most cases resolve completely."
Some researchers have shown that use of supplemental Vitamin D can offer more pronounced symptom-alleviation for SAD suffers, as compared to light therapy - the standard treatment.
5-HTP is a natural supplement recommended for the disorder. It has been the focus of considerable research over the last 30 years because of its ability to increase production of serotonin, a brain chemical messenger in the brain which is known to have a positive influence on mood and anxiety levels.
So you're prepared - it's advisable to mark down December 20 in the diary, because according to a report, this is the 'peak problem period' for sore throats and with families getting together soon after, it is likely you'll pass the infection from one another.
Dr Mike Smith comments: "Get your hands on something that will get straight to the pain, such as anaethetic throat spray, but let the inflammatory process get on with it.
"It's highly liekly that it's a viral cause and nature will overcome it in almost all cases - given time, adequate liquid intake a day or two in bed when really needed."
Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray is a strong Benzocaine spray that gets straight to the site of pain to numb sore throats in seconds, so you can enjoy the day. 
If you're determined not to get ill over Christmas you'll probably be keen to try something to boost your immunity.
Why swallow a bitter, atringent or sickly syrup when you could start your day with a natural and delicios hot drink?
Comvita Manuka Honey and Olive Leaf Hot Drink is packed with bug-fighting ingredients to offer support to the body's immune response. Each drinks has special antibacterial properties and provides a antioxidant punch to assist the immune system.
So don't let the winter weather, the stress or anything else get you down over the festive period. Stock up and be prepared for anything.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health Winter Health