2024 Holiday Survival Guide

Because Stress Doesn’t Need To Be a Holiday Tradition😉

The holidays are here — the most wonderful, and stressful, time of year! Whether you’re navigating the chaos of holiday shopping, travel, family time, or just trying to keep seasonal depression at bay as the days get shorter and the to-do list gets longer, we could all use a little support. Remember: you can’t always change what’s going on around you, but you can always control how you react. Finding calm in the chaos is all about maintaining a stable, balanced internal environment no matter how much our external environment is knocking us around. 

The Endocannabinoid System

And this is where we take a moment to give thanks to our endocannabinoid system – a complex network that exists within every single one of us, dynamically executing a pretty crazy amount of actions across pretty much every physiological system, all as means to a singular end: maintaining a stable internal environment despite an ever-changing external environment.

This state of ideal balance that our bodies and minds are always striving towards is also known as homeostasis.

Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps us adapt to our environment in order to maintain homeostasis. If we don’t adapt, we burn out. Our stress response generally has three stages:

• Alarm/reaction (initial response to the stressor)
• Resistance: our bodies attempt to adapt 
• Exhaustion: we are depleted and unable to cope (adapt); AKA burnout

Supplementing with CBD helps ensure a conditioned, well-functioning ECS that is better equipped to stave off the effects of stress before we get to the point of total exhaustion.

A Moment For Adaptogens

Combining cannabinoids like CBD with adaptogens like ashwagandha takes stress defense to the next level. As the name adaptogen would suggest, these herbs work in a very similar way to CBD and the ECS to help us adapt to stress. Adaptogens up/ down-regulate the activity of chemical messengers involved in mood, focus, sleep, inflammation, anxiety, and more. Just like CBD and the ECS, adaptogens are doing all this work in the name of one noble objective: restore and maintain homeostasis.

While CBD and other cannabinoids activate the ECS and affect serotonin activity (via the 5 HT-2 receptor system), ashwagandha gets to work via the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) Axis to affect activity of stress hormones like cortisol. 

TONIC started with the original (OG) combination of CBD and ashwagandha back in 2017 to deliver a more comprehensive and effective way to naturally manage stress, anxiety and depression. TONIC’s unique botanical blends are uniquely designed to provide support where you need it most — because balance is not a static state, wellness is not one size fits all, and the path back to center all depends on where you’re starting from. 

So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your stress in check, relax your body, and stay centered during your seasonal celebrations, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into more on how CBD and adaptogens can help you survive the holidays and how to choose the perfect product(s) to keep you grounded all year long.

Keep Your Calm with Chill TONIC

The holidays can be *intense* — crowded shopping malls, long lines, and back-to-back events. Staying calm amidst the chaos can feel like a challenge, to say the least. Enter Chill TONIC, the perfect go-to for when stress levels are creeping up, or when those stress levels affect your beauty sleep.

Packed with CBD, ashwagandha, lemon balm & passionflower, Chill helps promote relaxation and tranquility, making it a perfect addition to your holiday toolkit. Whether you’re navigating a tense family dinner, need a break from the madness or reeeeally need a good night’s sleep, this potent blend will help you stay level-headed and calm no matter what’s happening around you.

Boost Your Mood with The O.G. TONIC

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but sometimes the stress and fatigue can dampen your spirits. Introducing: The O.G. TONIC — a tried-and-true adaptogenic blend of CBD and ashwagandha designed to elevate your mood and keep you feeling balanced, no matter the situation. Whether you’re facing a big holiday party or just need a little extra pep in your step during a marathon of holiday shopping, The O.G. can help! It’s a great way to get through the season with a smile, even if your calendar is booked solid. This baby also kicks *hangxiety* to the curb – you’re welcome😙

Stay Healthy with Flex TONIC

All the holiday hustle and bustle can take a toll on your body. From lugging around bags of presents to prepping for your holiday feasts, it’s easy to feel stiff and sore. That’s where Flex TONIC comes in. This powerful blend of CBD and black (cumin) seed oil is perfect for anyone dealing with muscle discomfort/tension.

Plus, give your immune system a boost with Flex & protect yourself from the common causes of seasonal sickness: people, stress, and eating/drinking like an animal.

Stay Grounded with Grounded TONIC

Let’s face it — the holidays can be overwhelming, and sometimes it feels like your mind is racing a mile a minute. Whether you’re managing a packed calendar or just trying to stay focused on the present moment, Grounded TONIC can help you feel more centered. With a highly concentrated, less refined CBD extract, Grounded helps support mental clarity and emotional stability, so you can stay present and relaxed no matter how busy the season gets.

Roll with the Punches Using Chronic TONIC Roll-On

ROGER ARCHER/PHAATS PHOTOS

For those moments when the tension is real — whether it’s a tight shoulder from too much wrapping (it’s embarrassing, but somehow it happens every damn year) or a headache from a loud family gathering (yikes) — Chronic TONIC is your best friend. This easy-to-use topical roll-on delivers a potent dose of CBD directly to areas of discomfort, offering quick relief wherever you need it most. Perfect for on-the-go relief during those busy holiday moments, it’s the kind of product that helps you roll with the punches — hopefully not literally.

Experience the Full Spectrum with the TONIC Flight

Can’t decide which TONIC to try? Why not sample a few? The TONIC Flight gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of different targeted botanical blends (AKA all of the products listed above), so you can find the perfect one (or ones!) for your needs. Whether you’re looking to chill, ease some tension, or boost your mood, this sampler gives you all the options to help you navigate the season with ease. Bonus points if you give it as a gift to the CBD newbie or enthusiast in your life!

Don’t Forget Your Zen Dog!

The holidays can be stressful for your furry friends too. If your dog is feeling anxious with all the extra noise and activity, Zen Dog is here to help. This organic, vegan & GF CBD-infused treat is designed to promote calm and relaxation for your bff, helping them enjoy the holidays just as much as you do. Whether it’s a loud New Year’s Eve celebration or a holiday road trip, Zen Dog can help take the edge off, so your pup stays relaxed and happy.

Tips for Using CBD Throughout the Holidays

– Start Early: The sooner you start using CBD, the more likely you are to maintain a steady, balanced level of calm and relaxation throughout the season.

– Pair with Self-Care: Incorporate CBD into your daily self-care routine. Add it to your morning matcha, evening wind-down, or use it when you need a little extra help during hectic moments.

– Be Consistent: Like any wellness routine, consistency is key.

The holidays don’t have to be a source of stress and anxiety. With the help of CBD, you can navigate the season with ease and grace. So take a deep breath, reach for your favorite TONIC, and enjoy a calmer, more peaceful holiday season 🙂

Happy holidays from the TONIC team! <3