Stress can often feel unavoidable amid the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives. This is especially true during the holiday season, so it’s essential to find moments of relief as we balance the demands of work, relationships, activism, and personal well-being. And doing so shouldn’t cause more stress for others, including animals. That’s why we’re offering some helpful animal-friendly tips for keeping your stress levels low.

Start Your Day With a Healthy Breakfast

Studies show that starting the day with a high-quality, healthy breakfast can keep stress levels low and even help manage depression. If you’re in a rush, opt for something easy to prepare, like a bowl of vegan yogurt with granola and berries or whole-wheat toast topped with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of maple syrup. And if you have more time in the morning, you can try a fun new recipe, such as the Coconut Chia Berry Parfait, Avocado Toast with Garbanzo Beans, or Breakfast Scramble Tacos.

Cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals used for food endure short, stress-filled lives on today’s farms, where they’re deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them. By choosing vegan meals, you can help spare the lives of nearly 200 animals a year.

Take a Midday Break With a Soothing Cup of Tea

Stepping away from your busy workday to enjoy a warm cup of tea is a simple way to relax, especially if you can do it mindfully. (This means no screens while you sip.) The Four Seasons Tea Bundle from Leaves of Leisure is a great set of four herbal blends inspired by the changing seasons.

Spend Time With Your Animal Companions

Interacting with animals can decrease your stress hormone levels and lower your blood pressure. So if you share your home with an animal companion, one of the best ways to lower your stress and theirs is simply to spend time with them—playing, cuddling, or going for a walk.

Try a Calming Herbal Lozenge While You Work

Laki Naturals’ Calm Mood lozenges contain soothing ashwagandha, magnesium, California poppy, valerian root, chamomile, and lavender oil, all of which can help calm your nerves naturally.

Sweat Out the Stress

Exercise releases endorphins, which make you happy, duh! Studies show that regular movement helps you become more resilient to stress, so don’t neglect this part of your day. However you choose to move—whether taking a stroll through a park, moving through a yoga flow, or going all out with a high-intensity training session—make sure you love to do it.

End Your Day With a Soak in a Warm Bath by Candlelight

A warm bath can soothe your nerves and relax your muscles. Add a spa-like vibe to your bathroom with Lifetherapy’s Grounded Mood Melting Salt Soak, and light a vegan candle.

Get a Great Night’s Rest With a Weighted Blanket

Sleep is one of the keys to stress management, so set yourself up for the best night possible. Take 10 minutes before bed to meditate or read a book, then doze off under a wool-free weighted blanket.

Going vegan is the best thing you can do for animals, the planet, and your personal health. Start today by ordering a free vegan starter kit: