The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration – but to be honest, it can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinners, finding the perfect gifts, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You’re not alone and there are ways to reclaim the magic of the season without losing your sanity.

In today’s podcast, we dive into the science of stress and how the vagus nerve holds the key to calm. Discover how breathwork, mindfulness, and gratitude can transform your holiday experience, helping you stay grounded, joyful, and resilient. Tune in and gift yourself some peace this season!

Today on The Lab Report:

· 3:10 Holiday season is here!

· 6:20 Stressors and getting to the root cause of expectations

· 8:40 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic – neuroendocrine responses

· 11:30 Vagus nerve

· 13:15 Breathwork techniques, singing, gargling, laughing

· 18:15 Mortality of holiday season

· 20:15 Mindfulness and joy

· 24:00 Gratitude

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

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