CBD and Holiday Stress | A Calming Guide for Seniors

Written by Debra Dullaghan

The holidays have a beautiful way of reminding us what matters — family, tradition, and the small moments that warm our hearts. But if we're honest, this season can also feel heavier as we get older. The pace picks up, expectations grow, and suddenly the joy we’re supposed to feel gets tangled up with stress, worry, and a little bit of fatigue.

As someone who has lived through many busy holiday seasons myself, I know how easy it is for women in our 50s, 60s, and beyond to slip into the role of the steady one — the planner, the helper, the emotional anchor for everyone else. While it’s a role we often cherish, it can leave very little time for our own peace.

That’s one of the reasons I started 55plus in the first place. I wanted women our age to have simple, trustworthy, THC-free CBD options that support calm, balance, and emotional well-being, especially during moments when life feels full. There’s no time of year fuller than the holidays.

If you’ve been searching for CBD for seniors to navigate holiday stress relief, or you’ve felt that familiar holiday anxiety creeping in, you’re not alone. This guide was created to gently walk you through how CBD can support your emotional balance, how it interacts with your body during stressful times, and how to pair it with everyday self-care rituals that make this season feel a little lighter.

You deserve a holiday season that fills you up, not one that drains you. My hope is that these insights help you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and find pockets of calm you can return to again and again.

Why the Holidays Can Be Extra Stressful for Seniors

As much as we look forward to the holidays, this season can bring pressures that land differently once we’re over 50. Our lives, our responsibilities, and even our energy levels shift — and the holiday whirlwind doesn’t always adjust with us.

For many women in our age group, studies show the stress doesn’t come from one big thing.¹ It comes from a dozen small ones: the added commitments, the unspoken expectations, the family dynamics we’re trying to navigate with grace. All of it can quietly build into a sense of overwhelm.

Here are some of the reasons holiday stress feels more amplified now than it did years ago:

• More emotional weight. The holidays can stir up memories of people we miss or traditions that have changed. There’s a tenderness to this season that can make us feel both grateful and emotionally stretched.

• Physical strain. Long days on our feet, errands, cooking, hosting, or even traveling can take more out of us than they used to. When the body is tired, stress naturally feels heavier.

• Pressure to “hold everything together.” Many women over 50 carry a quiet responsibility to create the holiday magic — to make meals, organize gatherings, support the family, and stay calm no matter what’s going on around them.

• Changes in routine. A disrupted sleep schedule, irregular meals, and extra social events can throw the body’s natural rhythm off balance, making stress hormones spike.

• Holiday anxiety over 50 feels different. It’s not the frantic stress of younger years. It’s a deeper, more emotional tension — wanting things to be meaningful, peaceful, and harmonious… and feeling the weight when they’re not.

• Overindulging in holiday foods or alcohol can disrupt the body’s natural balance, increase anxiety, and make emotional well-being feel more unsteady, which is why gentle moderation can be one of the kindest gifts you give yourself this season.

If you’re feeling any of this, please know there’s nothing wrong with you. These reactions are completely natural. And the more aware we become of what fuels our stress, the easier it becomes to find tools — like CBD and gentle self-care — that help lighten the load.

How CBD Supports Emotional Balance During Stressful Times

When the holidays start to feel overwhelming, many women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond begin searching for something natural that can help them stay steady without feeling checked out. That’s where CBD can be such a gift. It works gently with your body — not against it — helping you stay clear-headed, emotionally grounded, and more resilient during busy or emotional seasons.

CBD doesn’t change who you are or how you show up. It simply supports the parts of you that are already strong: your calm, your clarity, your sense of balance. For many seniors, that’s exactly what helps turn a stressful holiday into a peaceful one.

How CBD Interacts With the Body’s Stress Response

Our bodies have a built-in network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Think of it as your internal “regulator,” helping to keep mood, sleep, and stress signals in balance. When life gets hectic — holiday schedules, family dynamics, too many commitments — that system can become strained.

CBD works by supporting the ECS so it can do its job more smoothly.² Many seniors notice:

• A softer emotional response to everyday stress

• Less mental tension or spiraling thoughts

• A steadier mood throughout the day

• An easier time staying patient and present

It’s not about numbing stress; it’s about helping your body handle it naturally.

Supporting Relaxation Without Feeling Sedated

One thing I hear all the time from women in our community is: “I want to feel calmer, but I don’t want to feel sleepy.”

And that’s one of the strengths of CBD. With the right formula — especially daily THC-free CBD wellness for seniors — you get emotional ease without any heavy or foggy feeling. It gently takes the edge off so you can enjoy the season, stay engaged in conversations, and show up as your best self. If you prefer something light and approachable, CBD gummies for seniors make it easy to unwind.

It’s a very natural, very grounded sense of calm.

THC-Free Options for Daily Calm

THC-free CBD is especially important for seniors who desire clarity and consistency. Broad-spectrum, THC-free formulas offer:

• Peace of mind (no psychoactive effects)

• A predictable experience you can trust

• Support for stress relief while staying fully alert

• A clean, simple supplement you can take every day

Taking CBD daily during the holidays helps build a foundation of calm — so stress doesn’t hit quite as hard when it shows up. If you’re exploring CBD for emotional balance this season, our guide on CBD basics for seniors can help you feel confident and informed.

Everyday Self-Care Habits to Pair with CBD

CBD works best when it becomes part of a larger rhythm of caring for yourself — not just on the calm days, but especially during the busy ones. During the holidays, we often pour so much of our energy into supporting the people we love that we forget to support ourselves. These simple habits help bring your nervous system back into balance and amplify the calming effects of CBD.

Think of them as small gifts you can give yourself throughout the season.

Mindful Moments Between Events

You don’t need long meditation sessions to feel grounded. Sometimes the quietest, simplest pauses make the biggest difference. Try:

• Sitting for one peaceful minute with your morning coffee or tea
  

• Lighting a candle and taking three slow breaths

• Stepping outside to feel fresh air on your face

• Pressing your hand over your heart for a moment of gratitude

• Allowing yourself a few minutes alone before or after gatherings

These mindful breaks signal to your mind and body that it’s safe to relax — and CBD can help that feeling settle in even more deeply.

Gentle Exercise and Hydration

As we get older, our bodies appreciate movement that feels supportive rather than strenuous. Even a few intentional minutes can ease tension and improve mood. Consider:

• A 10–15 minute walk around the neighborhood

• Gentle stretching before bed

• Chair yoga or a light mobility routine

• Staying hydrated, especially on days filled with rich foods or travel

• Consider supplementing with vitamin D to support mood, immunity, and overall balance during the darker winter months.

• Staying hydrated with electrolytes—not just water—can help keep your energy steady and your body better balanced during the holiday rush.

According to studies, movement helps release stress held in the muscles, while hydration supports your body’s natural ability to stay balanced.³

Setting Boundaries and Saying “No” Gracefully

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves during the holidays is permission to protect our energy. It’s okay to decline invitations, shorten commitments, or ask for help. Some peer-reviewed studies have even shown the power of saying “no” recently.⁴ A loving “no” often creates space for a more meaningful “yes.”

Try language like:

• “I’d love to join, but I need a quiet evening to recharge.”

• “Can we simplify this plan a little?”

• “I can help, but only with one or two tasks.”

CBD helps soften the tension that often comes with decision-making and emotional overwhelm, making boundary-setting feel a bit gentler and more natural. If you’re building a steadier routine during the holiday rush, learning about continuous vs occasional CBD use can make your wellness plan easier.

Recommended CBD Products for Holiday Calm

When the holidays begin to feel busy or emotionally heavy, the right CBD routine can help you tackle multiple issues that may affect you during this season.⁵ At 55plus, every formula we create is thoughtfully designed for women over 50 — THC-free, gentle, and easy to integrate into your daily life. These are the products I personally recommend most during the holiday season.

Everyday Softgels for Steady Balance

If you’re looking for calm you can count on throughout the day, our Everyday Softgels are a wonderful place to start. They offer:

• 25mg broad-spectrum CBD

• THC-free clarity (no fog, no buzz)

• A slow, steady release that supports emotional balance all day

• Simple, once-a-day consistency

For many seniors in our community, these softgels help soften stress before it builds and make the holiday pace feel more manageable. For steady, daily support, CBD softgels for seniors offer an easy way to maintain calm throughout the season.

Sleep Softgels for Deeper Rest

The holidays can disrupt even the best sleep routines — late nights, full schedules, extra stimulation. If you’ve been struggling with rest, our CBD sleep solutions for seniors bring calm back to your evenings with:

• CBD to balance and help quiet the mind

• CBN to support deep relaxation.⁶

• Combining both CBD and CBN to support both deep relaxation and a quiet mind.

• Gentle melatonin to help you fall asleep naturally.⁷

• A non-habit-forming formula safe for seniors

Rest is the foundation of emotional balance, and these are one of the most supportive options we offer. If stress impacts your sleep, CBD sleep softgels can help your nights feel more restorative.

Salve for Tension in Shoulders or Neck

Holiday stress doesn’t just show up in the mind — it often settles into the body. If you carry tension in your neck, shoulders, or upper back, a CBD salve for seniors can bring fast, targeted relief. Ours is crafted with:

• 500mg CBD

• Soothing lavender and eucalyptus

• A smooth texture that absorbs quickly

• Comfort you can feel within minutes

It’s perfect after cooking, hosting, shopping, or any long day on your feet. To understand how CBD may help you stay grounded, explore the key health benefits of THC-free CBD for seniors.

Staying Grounded and Grateful This Holiday Season

As the holiday season unfolds, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down and experience it in a way that truly nourishes you. It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness — the lists, the gatherings, the expectations — but the moments we remember most are usually the simple ones: a warm cup of tea, a peaceful morning, a conversation that made us smile.

Staying grounded doesn’t mean everything around you is calm. It means you get to choose what pace, what energy, and what priorities feel right for you. Staying grateful doesn’t mean ignoring the hard parts — it means finding small, steady sparks of goodness even in a season that can feel emotional or demanding.

CBD can be a helpful companion during all of this, but the real strength comes from within you: the wisdom you’ve gained, the boundaries you’ve learned to set, the grace you extend to others and to yourself.

So this year, take a deep breath. Soften your shoulders. Allow yourself to experience joy in whatever form it shows up. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home, a full house of laughter, or something in between — may it bring you peace, comfort, and a sense of being deeply supported.

And remember: you deserve a holiday season that fills you up, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD and Holiday Stress Relief for Seniors

Can CBD really help reduce holiday stress for seniors?

Yes — many seniors find CBD helpful because it supports the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in managing mood, stress, and emotional balance. It won’t eliminate stress entirely, but it can make the season feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

What is the best way to start taking CBD?

Start low and go slow. We all react differently to medications and supplements and cbd is no different. If you have never taken cbd products before, it is always best to start at the lowest dose and work your way up to your minimum therapeutic dose. There is no point taking more than you need to. CBD is well tolerated by most individuals, however it is always best to start low and go slow.

Will THC-free CBD make me feel tired or “out of it”?

In most cases, not at all. THC-free CBD does not cause psychoactive effects or a foggy feeling unless you have never used cannabis derived products before. We are all individuals so the foggy feeling is rather rare, but something to keep in mind when starting out. Most women over 50 describe it as feeling gently grounded, calmer, and more steady — without sedation unless you choose a formula specifically designed for sleep.

How long does it take for CBD softgels to work?

Softgels usually take 30–60 minutes to begin working and last several hours. When taken daily, many seniors begin to notice a reduction in the things they would normally feel throughout the holiday season (i.e. Anxiety, pain, lack of sleep, etc.).

Is it safe to take CBD with my current medications?

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but if you’re taking prescription medications — especially those processed by the liver and specifically the cytochromes p450 enzyme pathway — it’s always best to speak with your doctor first. Another tell-tale sign is if the medication you are currently taking interacts with grapefruit juice, then it is very important to consult with your healthcare provider. Most physicians are familiar with CBD and can give guidance specific to your health needs.

Should I take CBD only when I’m stressed, or every day during the holidays?

You can do either, but taking CBD daily tends to offer the most benefits during high-stress seasons. A steady routine helps your body maintain emotional balance, sleep better, and respond to stress-induced inflammation to increase your tolerance for the exhausting demands of the holiday season. 

Sources Cited

1. American Psychological Association. “Even a Joyous Holiday Season Can Cause Stress for Most Americans.” APA, 30 Nov. 2023, https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress

2. Zou, Shenglong, and Ujendra Kumar. “Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,3 833. 13 Mar. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijms19030833, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877694/ 

3. Childs, Emma, and Harriet de Wit. “Regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress in healthy adults.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 5 161. 1 May. 2014, doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00161, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4013452/

4. Hinton, Antentor O Jr et al. “The power of saying no.” EMBO reports vol. 21,7 (2020): e50918. doi:10.15252/embr.202050918, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7332800/

5. Martinez Naya, Nadia et al. “An Overview of Cannabidiol as a Multifunctional Drug: Pharmacokinetics and Cellular Effects.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 29,2 473. 18 Jan. 2024, doi:10.3390/molecules29020473, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10818442/

6. Bonn-Miller, Marcel O et al. “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality.” Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology vol. 32,3 (2024): 277-284. doi:10.1037/pha0000682 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796540/

7. Tordjman, Sylvie et al. “Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 15,3 (2017): 434-443. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666161228122115 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5405617/