Home Remedies for Stress
Stress is an individual’s ability to withstand a defined amount of strain. Hence, stress is defined as the person’s response to pressure. This condition can harm the body or damage the cells and cause death of a few or many cells. What may be perceived as stressful by one person, may not cause stress to another. The causes and reactions to stress are varied and multi-fold.
Some common stressors are domestic problems, work related stress, dealing with difficult children, exam stress, handling too many resources or the lack of them, decision making, lack of authority, fear about the unknown or repeated negative emotions of jealousy, hatred, feelings of frustration, failure; inadequate nutrition, pollution, extremes of heat and cold. Most common health problems associated with stress are headaches, vision problems, insomnia (sleep disturbances), stiff muscles, backaches, acidity, chronic indigestion, stress ulcers or peptic ulcers, heart disease, migraines and can even result in acne outbreaks and alcoholism.
Symptoms of stress are reflected both in the mind and the body. Stress induced arousal causes a lot of physical changes as follows -
• Activates the brain and nervous system
• Dilates the pupils in the eye
• Slows digestion
• Contracts muscles and they become more tensed
• Increases breathing and palpitations as heart pumps blood faster and harder
• Increases blood pressure
• Releases adrenaline hormone along with glucose from liver and sweating starts
• Releases stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, nor epinephrine during high stress situations
All these changes take place instantly based on the nervous system response. If you know how to deal with stress situations immediately, then all the changes can be reversed with no harm to your system. Recognize continuous and repeated stress and treat it soon to avoid long term complications. Natural cures for stress relief are often helpful and easy to use.
Home Remedies for Stress
Behavior Modification and Anger Management
Simplify your lifestyle to eliminate unnecessary stress. Do not react to situations or provocative remarks in haste. Reason out carefully and deal with stressors wisely. Be proactive and try to find solutions to problems rather than reacting to them.
A simple remedy for stress that works: Take a deep breath and count from 1 to 10 with your eyes closed. Another great remedy for stress and anger management is to have a hot water bath
Herbs for Stress
Holy Basil or tulsi is an anti-stress herb which is highly beneficial in the treatment of stress. Each person is recommended to chew on 12 leaves of basil twice a day, morning and evening to prevent stress.
Chamomile Tea: Drink Chamomile Tea just before bedtime. This helps to soothe nerves and calms you down.
Sage tea: Pour boiling water over a teaspoon of dry sage leaves. Strain, sweeten with honey and serve. This is a great natural remedy to combat stress.
Aromatherapy Oils for Stress
Sprinkle a few leaves of lavendar on your pillow for stress relief.
Aroma of few drops of lavendar oil mixed with water, placed over a burner can relax and destress you.
Diet for Stress
Good nutrition and eating a healthy balanced diet is necessary to cope with the increased nutritional demands of stress. Certain nutrients like vitamins A and B, calcium, potassium, magnesium reduce feelings of anxiety and irritability. In short, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soybeans, nuts, milk and dairy products are good to combat stress.
Certain foods can trigger stress responses and should be avoided
Foods to avoid are caffeine found in caffeinated coffee and many aerated drinks. Do not consume alcohol when you are stressed. Alcohol consumption depletes B complex vitamins which are considered essential of stress reduction.
Exercise for Stress
Regular physical exercise is a great stress buster as it keeps the body and mind fit. You can take brisk walks, run, jog, play sports or games involving physical activity. These give recreation and ensure physical fitness.
Yoga for Stress
Yoga poses, meditation and deep breathing exercises improve concentration, increase focus and induce mental relaxation. These are great for anger and stress management. Adequate rest is essential.
Massage for Stress
Massage involves stimulating specific acupressure points to eliminate blockages in energy flow to ensure stress reduction. A stress release facial massage can be totally relaxing.
