Today stress accompanies each one of us, no matter what we do for a living; ironically, living itself has become stressful! But what is stress really? It is defined as the non-specific reaction of the body whenever there is a demand for change. This change could be work-related, associated with the relationships we share, linked with money, etc. Harrowing life events can also result in stress.
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Symptoms of stress
The common physical symptoms of stress include,
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Muscle tension
- Chest pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
Stress directly affects our mood. It influences our behavior, which leads to another set of symptoms that include,
- Anxiety
- Lack of motivation
- Unnecessary anger
- Sadness without a proper reason
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Cantankerousness
Suggested read: 8 easy-peasy ways to de-stress when anxiety attacks
Stress can result in a number of medical problems, such as, heart disease, abnormalities in blood pressure, weight gain, depression and anxiety. Acute or chronic stress can affect the body and the mind severely, and so, these 10 home remedies for stress will help you get relief
Stress may not be avoided completely, since it is today, a part of life, but there are a number of easy ways to deal with it. Maintaining a positive outlook toward life, making some lifestyle changes, improving our diet and using some simple home remedies, can help you manage stress, effectively.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for stress.
1. Deep breathing
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You can wave off any stressful situation with the help of slow and deep breathing. When you breathe deeply, the oxygen that enters your body helps calm your mind. It also calms your body. In effect, when you engage in slow and deep breathing for 30 minutes a day, you can easily avert stress. And as you do that, you can think with a clear head, dealing with stress easily.
Remedies
- Whenever you feel stressed, lie down in a quiet corner. You can even sit, if there is a space crunch.
- Now close your eyes and breathe in deep and long inhalations through your nose, while you count till 5.
- Now hold your breath for another 5 counts.
- Exhale through your nose at the count of 5.
- This should be repeated at least 6 times to quiet down and feel relaxed.
2. Epsom salt
Another very valuable and effective home remedy for stress includes Epsom salt. Usually, during stress our magnesium levels reach an all-time low, and there is an increase in our adrenaline level. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps elevate our mood by increasing the serotonin in our brain. This reduces stress levels and also eases symptoms related to stress, such as, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, abnormalities in blood pressure and heart rhythms.
Remedies
- Draw yourself a bath with a cup of Epsom salt and some drops of a fragrant essential oil in your bathwater.
- Mix the salt so that the granules liquefy in the water.
- Soak yourself in the bath for half an hour.
- You can try this bath thrice a week for long-term effects.
3. Chamomile tea
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A wonder herb for stress, chamomile tea can calm your senses the way a sedative works on your central nervous system. It relaxes your muscles, and it eases anxiety. This tea also encourages better sleep.
Remedies
- To fight stress, drink up to 5 cups of chamomile tea a day.
- To prepare this tea, you need to boil a cup of water, and in it add a tablespoon of dried chamomile. Cover the container, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add natural honey. Mix well.
- Alternatively, you can add drops of chamomile essential oil while drawing yourself a bath.
- Chamomile herb can be consumed as a supplement. However, consult a doc before making that call.
4. Massage
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This is a well-known stress fighter, right? Traditional Chinese medicine holds that body massage can open blocked energy channels, which then help reduce stress and enhance overall health of the body and the mind.
Giving your hands, feet and/or back a hot oil massage can help soothe the tense muscles and perk up blood circulation. You can try sesame, olive or even pure coconut oil for the remedy.
Remedies
- Warm the oil for the massage.
- Once the oil is lukewarm, massage your head, forehead, back, shoulders and your feet with it.
- Next, take a warm shower.
- You can try this remedy on a daily basis if you want.
5. Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a herb that can have a miraculous effect on your health. According to a paper published by Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, in 2012, the root of ashwagandha can reduce both stress and anxiety in us. It also enhances our resistance to stress, by lowering the level of the stress-producing hormone or cortisol.
Ashwagandha also improves our nervous system. It fights fatigue and improves energy.
Remedies
- Take one to two grams of ashwagandha in the powdered form in a cup of milk.
- Try the remedy thrice a day.
- You can also take the herb in the form of a supplement. Consult a doc about the dosage.
A word of caution: Women who are pregnant and infants should not take ashwagandha.
Suggested read: 12 soothing tips on how to calm your overactive and stressed mind that actually work
6. Basil
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This one is a cherished ayurvedic remedy. It is a natural anti-stress medication! Since it is a herb that is adaptogenic, it will improve your body and mind’s response to stress, whether emotional or physical. A study published in the Journal of Ethno-pharmacology says that this herb can help against chronic stress-inducing changes.
Remedies
- You can chew 12 basil leaves every day, to reduce stress.
- You can prepare yourself a cup of basil tea. To make it, you need to boil a cup of water, and in it add 6 leaves of basil. Cover the container, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add natural honey. Mix well. Drink it regularly.
7. Green Tea
A cup of green tea a day can keep all anxieties at bay! The L-Theanine in green tea is an amino acid that enhances the production of alpha brain waves. This reduces stress, and boosts focus and alertness.
Remedies
- To a cup of hot water add one teaspoon of green tea leaves.
- Cover the container.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Now add a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of organic honey.
- Stir well.
8. Passionflower
This is a folk remedy for stress! Passionflower enhances the GABA levels in our brain. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps curb the instances and intensity of panic attacks.
Remedies
- To get rid of the stress, drink passionflower tea.
- To prepare this tea, you need to boil a cup of water, and in it add a tablespoon of dried passionflower. Cover the container, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add natural honey. Mix well.
- You can also consume it in liquid or tablet form. But do consult your doctor before taking the medications.
A word of caution: Women who are pregnant and infants should not take this herb.
9. Exercise
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Aerobics or moderate-intensity workout can give you relief from stress and anxiety. The secretion of cortisol gets reduced, significantly, and the production of “happy” hormones are boosted. It also distracts you from whatever it is that is bothering you, and so, your mood is elevated.
Always make time for some exercise. It can be in any form. You can even take short strolls every evening, go for a swim, enroll in a sport you are interested in etc.
Remedies
- Engage in some form of moderate-intensity exercise five times a week.
- Yoga works as a great stress buster. Meditation soothes your mind and body, and by doing so, helps you focus.
10. B Vitamins
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To get rid of stress, you need to start taking B vitamins. There are eight B vitamins, namely, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. These enhance the functioning of our brain, and promote relaxation. They also fight exhaustion.
When your body has a deficiency of vitamin B, you are likely to be very irritable, depressed and lack empathy.
Remedies
- Whole grains, pea, spinach, beans, kale, avocados and potatoes are rich in vitamin B. Include them in your diet.
- Dairy products and eggs are also amazing sources of vitamin B.
- You can also consume Vitamin B supplements, but to be sure of the dosage, and what type of vitamin B you should take, consult a doctor.
Suggested read: 11 effective ways to reduce relationship stress that actually work
Extra Tips to get rid of stress
- To enjoy a sense of control over your life and to feel peaceful, keep all your things in an organized manner.
- Try to reduce your internet and phone usage. Try to spend more time with your pals and your family.
- Your sleep is very important, and so, you need to get proper sleep. Remember, sleep is a natural stress buster.
- Go for a walk. Even if it is for 15 to 30 minutes, spending some time connecting with nature will go a long way in controlling stress.
- To lead a less stressful life, stay away from sugar, nicotine, caffeine and liquor.
- Improve your mood to fight stress. Try to incorporate healthy foods in your diet. Make your diet rich in Vitamin C, whole grains and protein. The vitamin C will help balance the stress hormone, consequently reducing stress.
- Quit smoking.
- Try soothing music to calm your senses.
- According to many, aromatherapy can help in giving some relief from stress.
- Engage yourself in a calming hobby, such as, working on crosswords or reading or singing or even knitting.
Did you find our guide on home remedies for stress beneficial? Rant and rave in the comment section.
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