Mr Vitamins Survival Guide During the Silly Season: Our Experts' Tips

Health advice
8 min read
Nov 10, 2026

Written by Christina Hanley
BHSc (Nutritional Medicine) | ANTA Member #20854 | Nutritionist, Digital Experience & Content Manager at Mr Vitamins with 8 years of clinical experience.

Reviewed by Emma Miller, Adv.Dip.Nat, Dip.Nut, Dip.Bot.Med, Dip.Rem.Mass | ATMS Member #7366 · Last reviewed: 10/11/26 · Next review: November 2027. [How we review health content] · [Meet our practitioner team]

Christmas 2026 lands on a Friday, so the final working week, school concerts, present shopping and the big food shop all crowd into the same few days. From a naturopathic perspective, this is a season that asks a lot of the nervous system. Late nights, rich food, extra alcohol and the summer heat all draw on your reserves, and when we keep spending energy faster than we replenish it, vitality starts to slip. Many of us reach the 25th feeling wired but tired.

Naturopathy looks at the whole person rather than chasing a quick pick-me-up. That means nourishing the body with wholefoods, protecting rest and recovery, supporting the stress response with the right nutrients and herbs, and making time to slow down. This guide brings that approach together with current research, and covers:

Why the silly season leaves you frazzled
Six ways to boost your energy
Nutrients and herbs that may help, and what the evidence says
Energy foods worth keeping in the pantry
A healthy Christmas trifle recipe, with every ingredient available at Mr Vitamins

Our picks at a glance

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Our energy pick

150 mg ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10, per capsule
CoQ10 has the strongest fatigue research of anything in this guide
1 to 2 capsules daily with food (label directions)
AUST L 307244

Best for: adults who want to support energy production through a busy December.

Practitioner B vitamins pick

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Vitamin C pick

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Withania pick

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Pantry pick

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Compare them side by side How we chose

Why You Feel Tired and Stressed at Christmas

When demands stack up, the body's stress response releases adrenaline and cortisol. That gives you a short burst of alertness, but it is built for short bursts, not for weeks of late nights and full calendars.

You may have heard this described as "adrenal fatigue". While the research points away from the adrenals themselves being worn out,¹ the encouraging news is that the tiredness you feel usually comes from everyday things you can change: short sleep, skipped meals, too much caffeine and alcohol, not enough water and too little downtime. Small, steady changes in these areas can make a real difference to how you feel.

If you are tired most days for more than a few weeks, see your GP. Persistent fatigue can have medical causes, such as low iron or thyroid changes, that need testing rather than a festive pep-up.

6 Ways to Boost Your Energy Over Christmas

1. Prioritise

Write it down. A list moves the to-do pile out of your head and lets you decide what matters this week and what can wait until January. Share the load: Christmas lunch is a team event.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water makes up roughly 50 to 60% of an adult's body weight,² and even mild dehydration has been linked with poorer mood, more fatigue and reduced concentration.³ December heat raises your needs, so keep a bottle with you and sip water or herbal tea through the day.

3. Protect Your Sleep

Adults are advised to get 7 to 9 hours a night.⁴ You will not hit that every night in December, so aim for most nights, keep a regular wake time and plan a quieter night after each big one. If sleep is a struggle, talk to one of our naturopaths.

4. Eat for Steady Energy

Meals built on protein, fibre and slow carbohydrates keep you going for longer than sugary snacks and drinks, which tend to lead to a quick high and a slump. When you are on the run, reach for fresh fruit, a handful of nuts, a boiled egg, a protein ball or veggie sticks with hummus.

5. Use Caffeine and Alcohol Wisely

For healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 3 to 4 cups of brewed coffee) is considered safe, or 200 mg a day during pregnancy.⁵ Timing matters too: in a sleep lab study, 400 mg of caffeine taken six hours before bed still cut total sleep by more than an hour, and participants did not notice.⁶ A sensible rule is no coffee after lunch.

Alcohol may help you nod off, but it disrupts the second half of the night, so you wake less rested.⁷ Australian guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day.⁸ Alternate each drink with a glass of water and try an alcohol-free option at some events.

6. Take Time Out

Give yourself ten minutes. Step outside, walk around the block or sit under a tree. In one study, 20 to 30 minutes in a nature setting gave the biggest drop in the stress hormone cortisol for the time spent.⁹

Best Nutrients and Herbs for Energy and Stress

When life is hectic, the six steps can be hard to keep up, and some people like extra support. Here is what the research says about the nutrients and herbs naturopaths commonly suggest. The evidence varies, so we have said where it is strong and where it is thin.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is used by the mitochondria, the parts of your cells that make energy. A 2022 meta-analysis of 13 randomised trials with 1,126 participants found CoQ10 supplementation reduced fatigue compared with placebo.¹⁰ Ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10.

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CoQ10 we stock

150 mg Kaneka ubiquinol per capsule
1 to 2 capsules daily with food (label directions)
Not with warfarin unless your doctor advises (label warning)
AUST L 307244

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Practitioner pick

Practitioner-only product, dispensed under the care of a qualified naturopath. Request access on the product page to get started.

150 mg ubiquinol per capsule
Not with warfarin unless your doctor advises (label warning)
AUST L 299871

Request practitioner access

B Vitamins

B vitamins help the body turn food into energy and support normal nervous system function. Reviews of the research suggest supplementation is most useful for people whose intake or status is low.¹¹^,¹²

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Practitioner pick

Practitioner-only product, dispensed under the care of a qualified naturopath. Request access on the product page to get started.

Activated B vitamins, including P5P, levomefolate and mecobalamin
Adds vitamin C, zinc, selenium and magnesium
1 tablet daily with food (label directions)
Contains vitamin B6: stop if you notice tingling, burning or numbness (label warning)

Request practitioner access

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to normal energy metabolism and immune function.¹² The adrenal glands hold some of the highest vitamin C levels in the body and release it when the stress response is switched on, which suggests a role in that response.¹³

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Vitamin C we stock

1,000 mg vitamin C plus 8 mg zinc per tablet
1 to 3 tablets daily (label directions)
AUST L 138884

Withania (Ashwagandha)

Withania is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic in times of stress. In an 8-week randomised trial of 60 stressed adults, a root extract reduced perceived stress and cortisol and improved sleep quality compared with placebo.¹⁴

Safety note: the TGA has received very rare reports of liver injury linked to ashwagandha. Avoid it if you have or have had liver problems, and stop and see a doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.¹⁵

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Withania we stock

KSM-66 root extract, standardised to 30 mg withanolides
1 tablet daily with food (label directions)
Free from gluten, soy, nuts and added sugar

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Practitioner pick

Practitioner-only product, dispensed under the care of a qualified naturopath. Request access on the product page to get started.

Three standardised extracts: Sensoril, Shoden and Noogandha
1 capsule daily with food (label directions)

Request practitioner access

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is traditionally used in Russian herbal medicine to help the body adapt to stress. Some trials report less fatigue, but a systematic review rated the evidence as contradictory and inconclusive, so expectations should be modest.¹⁶

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Rhodiola we stock

375 mg extract, standardised to 11.25 mg total rosavins
1 tablet daily with food (label directions)
Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding; take 2 hours away from medicines (label)
AUST L 367711

Passionflower

Passionflower is traditionally used to calm the nerves and support sleep, which is where good energy starts. A systematic review found promising early evidence for anxiety and sleep, while noting that more trials are needed.¹⁷

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Practitioner pick

Practitioner-only product, dispensed under the care of a qualified naturopath. Request access on the product page to get started.

Passionflower with Relora and skullcap
Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding (label)

Request practitioner access

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Evening tea

Loose-leaf passionflower, a caffeine-free evening cup

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng (eleutherococcus) is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of weakness and fatigue.¹⁸ It is often included in practitioner formulas, so ask one of our naturopaths whether it suits you.

Whether any supplement is right for you depends on your circumstances. Speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting something new, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medication or managing a health condition.

Energy-Boosting Foods for Your Pantry

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds swell into a gel when soaked, which makes them ideal for puddings. Per the Honest to Goodness label, 100 g provides 33.2 g of fibre, 23.8 g of protein and 17.8 g of plant omega-3, and fibre helps slow the release of energy from a meal.

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Chia we stock

Certified organic black chia, single ingredient
250 g and 1 kg packs

Maca

Maca is a root vegetable from the Peruvian Andes with a malty, caramel flavour. It has long been eaten as a food for energy and stamina, though human trials are small and the evidence is still early.¹⁹ Start with a teaspoon in smoothies, porridge or bliss balls. The label advises against use in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a health professional advises otherwise.

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Maca we stock

Certified organic raw maca root, 300 g
About 60 serves of 5 g per bag

Cacao

Raw cacao powder is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral involved in energy production. A 10 g serve provides about 50 mg of magnesium and 1.4 mg of iron.²⁰^,¹² You may have read that cacao has more iron than meat. Per serve it does not, and the non-haem iron in plants is absorbed less efficiently than the haem iron in meat.²¹ It is still a great way to get a chocolate hit without the sugar.

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Cacao we stock

Certified organic raw cacao, unsweetened
300 g, about 30 serves of 10 g

Healthy Christmas Trifle Recipe (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Trifle is a Christmas classic, and this version keeps all the layers while swapping sponge, custard powder and cream for wholefood ingredients. It is vegan, gluten free and dairy free, can be made the day before, and every pantry ingredient is available at Mr Vitamins.

Serves 8 · Prep 40 minutes · Setting time 3 hours or overnight · 2 litre glass bowl

Cherry and Blueberry Jelly

500 ml Eden Orchards Cherry n Blueberry Juice
1 teaspoon (about 2 g) Lotus agar agar powder
2 cups mixed fresh berries and pitted cherries

Almond Crumble Layer

1 cup (100 g) almond meal
½ cup (30 g) shredded coconut
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt

Vanilla Chia Custard

1 x 400 ml tin organic coconut milk
100 ml water
4 tablespoons (40 g) chia seeds
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maca powder (optional, adds a caramel note)

Whipped Coconut Cream and Toppings

1 x 400 ml tin Supreme 30% coconut cream, chilled overnight
1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 cup fresh berries
A handful of freeze-dried raspberries
1 tablespoon cacao nibs

Method

Jelly. Whisk the agar powder into the cold juice in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer for 2 minutes so the agar fully dissolves. Scatter the berries and cherries over the base of the bowl, pour the hot jelly over and leave to cool, then refrigerate for about 1 hour, until set. Agar sets more firmly than gelatine, so for a softer jelly use a little less, and check the pack directions.
Custard. While the jelly sets, whisk the coconut milk, water, chia, maple syrup, vanilla and maca together. Rest for 10 minutes, whisk again, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick. For a smooth, custard-like texture, blend it before using.
Crumble. Heat the oven to 170°C. Mix the almond meal, coconut, cacao, maple syrup and salt until it forms damp crumbs. Spread on a lined tray and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden. Cool completely.
Cream. Scoop the thick top layer from the chilled coconut cream tin (keep the liquid for smoothies). Whip with the vanilla and maple syrup until soft and fluffy.
Assemble. Over the set jelly, layer the crumble, then the chia custard, then the coconut cream. Chill until serving.
Serve. Just before serving, top with fresh berries, crushed freeze-dried raspberries and cacao nibs so they stay crisp.

Tips: The jelly is set with agar, a plant-based setting agent, so the whole trifle is vegan. If your guests include anyone with a tree nut allergy, swap the almond crumble for a seed crumble, and note that coconut is labelled as a tree nut allergen in Australia.

Shop the Trifle

Ingredient	Product	Size	Price now	Add
Jelly	Eden Orchards Cherry n Blueberry Juice	750 ml	$23.95
Jelly	Lotus Agar Agar Powder	75 g	$21.95
Crumble	Lotus Almond Meal	125 g	$7.45
Crumble	Niulife Shredded Coconut	250 g	$7.45
Crumble	Chefs Choice Raw Cacao Powder	300 g	$12.95
Sweetener	Honest to Goodness Organic Maple Syrup	250 ml	$10.95
Custard	Honest to Goodness Organic Coconut Milk	400 ml	$3.20
Custard	Honest to Goodness Organic Black Chia Seeds	250 g	$7.95
Custard	Chefs Choice Alcohol Free Vanilla	100 ml	$10.95
Custard	Chefs Choice Maca Powder	300 g	$8.95
Cream	Honest to Goodness Supreme 30% Coconut Cream	400 ml	$6.50
Topping	Mindful Foods Freeze Dried Raspberries	40 g	$24.95	Add to cart
Topping	Power Super Foods Organic Cacao Nibs	125 g	$14.90	Add to cart

The Supplements We Stock, Compared

Product	Range	Type	Key dose	Serves	Price now	Cost per serve	Status	Buy
Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg	Retail	CoQ10	150 mg ubiquinol	30	$32.96	$1.10	AUST L 307244
BioCeuticals Ubiquinol BioActive 150mg	Practitioner	CoQ10	150 mg ubiquinol	30	$43.95	$1.47	AUST L 299871	Request practitioner access
Eagle Tresos Activated B PluSe	Practitioner	B vitamins	Activated B complex with minerals	50	$36.95	$0.74	See label	Request practitioner access
Herbs of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus	Retail	Vitamin C	1,000 mg vitamin C, 8 mg zinc	60	$17.32	$0.29	AUST L 138884
Carusos Ashwagandha One A Day	Retail	Withania	KSM-66, 30 mg withanolides	50	$19.50	$0.39	See label
Designs for Health TriGandha	Practitioner	Withania	60 mg withanolide glycosides	60	$53.95	$0.90	See label	Request practitioner access
Carusos Rhodiola One A Day	Retail	Rhodiola	11.25 mg total rosavins	50	$51.20	$1.02	AUST L 367711
BioCeuticals RestoraCalm	Practitioner	Passionflower blend	Passionflower, Relora, skullcap	20	$45.95	$2.30	See label	Request practitioner access
Planet Organic Passionflower Tea	Retail	Passionflower	Loose-leaf tea	About 25	$10.95	$0.44	Food

Comparison table guide

Price now shows the live price of the smallest pack.
Cost per serve divides that price by the serves in that pack at one daily dose: Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 30 capsules (30; the 60-capsule pack is cheaper per capsule), BioCeuticals Ubiquinol 30 capsules (30), Tresos Activated B PluSe 50 tablets (50), Vitamin C 1000 Plus 60 tablets (60), Carusos Ashwagandha 50 tablets (50), TriGandha 60 capsules (60), Carusos Rhodiola 50 tablets (50), RestoraCalm 60 tablets at 3 a day (20), passionflower tea 50 g at about 2 g a cup (about 25).
Practitioner products are supplied after a consultation with a Mr Vitamins practitioner, so their button reads "Request practitioner access" instead of "Add to cart".
Status shows the AUST L number for listed medicines. "See label" means we could not confirm it from the product information. Stock and labels were checked on 10 November 2026.

How We Chose These Products

For each nutrient and herb in this guide we chose a retail option and, where we stock one, a practitioner-only option, and checked the label dose against the research above.

Assessed by Christina Hanley, BHSc (Nutritional Medicine). Reviewed by Emma Miller, Adv.Dip.Nat, Qualified Naturopath. Mr Vitamins sells every product listed here. No brand has paid for inclusion or placement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Over Christmas

Is adrenal fatigue real?

Adrenal fatigue is a popular way of describing feeling run down by stress, but the research points away from the adrenals themselves being worn out.¹ The encouraging news is that this kind of tiredness usually comes from everyday things you can change, such as sleep, meals, hydration and downtime. If it lasts more than a few weeks, your GP can check for causes such as low iron or thyroid changes.

How much coffee is too much?

For healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is considered safe, or 200 mg in pregnancy.⁵ Avoid it in the six hours before bed, as it can cut your sleep without you noticing.⁶

Which supplement has the best evidence for fatigue?

Of the options in this guide, CoQ10 has the strongest support, with a meta-analysis of 13 trials showing reduced fatigue.¹⁰ B vitamins are most useful if your intake is low. Ask a practitioner which suits you.

Is ashwagandha safe?

Most people tolerate it well, but the TGA has received very rare reports of liver injury. Avoid it if you have or have had liver problems, and stop and see a doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.¹⁵

Can I make the trifle ahead?

Yes. Make the jelly, custard and crumble the day before and assemble on the morning. Add the fresh berries, freeze-dried raspberries and cacao nibs just before serving so they stay crisp.

Bottom Line

You do not need to run on adrenaline to get through December. Prioritise, drink water, protect your sleep, eat for steady energy, go easy on caffeine and alcohol, and take ten minutes for yourself. If you want extra support, CoQ10 has the best evidence for fatigue, and B vitamins, vitamin C and withania may suit some people.

If tiredness lingers into the new year, that deserves a check-up rather than a bigger supplement routine. Speak with your GP.

Visit your local Mr Vitamins store or book a free 10-minute consultation with one of our qualified practitioners to talk through what might suit you.

This article is general information only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It does not take into account your individual health circumstances. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Consult your GP, pharmacist or a qualified health practitioner before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medication or managing a health condition. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.

References

1. Cadegiani, F.A. and Kater, C.E. (2016) 'Adrenal fatigue does not exist: a systematic review', BMC Endocrine Disorders, 16(1), p. 48. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-016-0128-4

2. Jéquier, E. and Constant, F. (2010) 'Water as an essential nutrient: the physiological basis of hydration', European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(2), pp. 115-123. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.111

3. Popkin, B.M., D'Anci, K.E. and Rosenberg, I.H. (2010) 'Water, hydration, and health', Nutrition Reviews, 68(8), pp. 439-458. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x

4. Hirshkowitz, M. et al. (2015) 'National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary', Sleep Health, 1(1), pp. 40-43. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2014.12.010

5. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2015) 'Scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine', EFSA Journal, 13(5), p. 4102. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102

6. Drake, C., Roehrs, T., Shambroom, J. and Roth, T. (2013) 'Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before going to bed', Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 9(11), pp. 1195-1200. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.3170

7. Ebrahim, I.O., Shapiro, C.M., Williams, A.J. and Fenwick, P.B. (2013) 'Alcohol and sleep I: effects on normal sleep', Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 37(4), pp. 539-549. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12006

8. National Health and Medical Research Council (2020) Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. Canberra: NHMRC. Available at: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol

9. Hunter, M.R., Gillespie, B.W. and Chen, S.Y. (2019) 'Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers', Frontiers in Psychology, 10, p. 722. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722

10. Tsai, I.C., Hsu, C.W., Chang, C.H., Tseng, P.T. and Chang, K.V. (2022) 'Effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 supplementation for reducing fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, p. 883251. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.883251

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14. Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K. and Langade, D. (2019) 'Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study', Cureus, 11(12), p. e6466. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466

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Mr Vitamins Survival Guide During the Silly Season: Our Experts' Tips

The silly season asks a lot of your nervous system. Here’s how to protect your energy, calm stress naturally and enjoy a healthier Christmas trifle.

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Our picks at a glance

Why You Feel Tired and Stressed at Christmas

6 Ways to Boost Your Energy Over Christmas

1. Prioritise

2. Stay Hydrated

3. Protect Your Sleep

4. Eat for Steady Energy

5. Use Caffeine and Alcohol Wisely

6. Take Time Out

Best Nutrients and Herbs for Energy and Stress

Coenzyme Q10

B Vitamins

Vitamin C

Withania (Ashwagandha)

Rhodiola

Passionflower

Siberian Ginseng

Energy-Boosting Foods for Your Pantry

Chia Seeds

Maca

Cacao

Healthy Christmas Trifle Recipe (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Cherry and Blueberry Jelly

Almond Crumble Layer

Vanilla Chia Custard

Whipped Coconut Cream and Toppings

Method

Shop the Trifle

The Supplements We Stock, Compared

How We Chose These Products

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Over Christmas

Bottom Line

References

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Vitamins for Kidney and Bladder Health: What Actually Works

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