12 HOME REMEDIES FOR STRESS

12 HOME REMEDIES FOR STRESS

Stress affects our body in the same way as the food we eat. It can be defined as a state manifested by a specific syndrome that consist of all the non-specifically induced changes within a biological system. Any condition that harms the body or cells damages or causes the death of a few or many cells is termed as stress.

Many diseases are associated with stress and they are heart disease, diabetes, headache and peptic ulcer. Other diseases resulting from stress are ulcerative colitis, chronic dyspepsia, asthma, psoriasis and sexual disorders.

Your body is designed to handle brief periods of stress from time to time. But too much isn't good for body or soul. Take control of your stress naturally with these tips. Even when you can’t change a difficult situation, you have some control over the way you deal with stress. So if you’re pulling out your hair, biting your nails to the quick, or worrying yourself into a tizzy, try these techniques to loosen stress’s grip and restore a sense of sanity.

Causes of Stress

The various factors responsible for the stress are:

• Hormonal factors
• Chronic disease
• Overload of work
• Feeling of inferiority

                Home Remedies for Stress

Slow and Deep Breathing

Slow and deep breathing can help you cool off in a stressful situation. With deep breathing, more oxygen enters the body, which has a calming effect on your mind and body. In fact, 15 to 30 minutes of slow, deep breathing daily can help prevent stress. It can even help you think more clearly, so that you can deal with stress more easily.

1. When you are under stress, sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose to the count of 5.
3. Hold your breath for 5 counts, then exhale for 5 counts.
4. Repeat 5 or 6 more times or until you calm down and feel relaxed.

 Green Tea

You can also sip away your stress with a cup of green tea. Green tea contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes the production of alpha brain waves, which in turn reduce stress, encourage relaxation and improve focus and mental alertness.
In addition, this amino acid plays an important role in the development of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

1. Add 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves to a cup of hot water.
2. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and add some fresh lemon juice and raw honey.
4. You can drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea a day to reduce stress.

B Vitamins
B vitamins are known to promote proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as help induce relaxation and fight fatigue. In fact, indicators of B deficiency include irritability, depression and apathy, so to stave off those symptoms, increase your intake of foods rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are typically found in the germ and bran of cereal grains, as well as beans, peas, nuts, liver, eggs and dairy products.

Chew on cherries

They soothe the nervous system and relieve stress. Eat them fresh or any way you like them.

Bathe in Baking Soda
A soothing bath in baking soda and ginger can relieve stress. Add 1/3 cup ginger and 1/3 cup baking soda to a tub of hot water and enjoy the soak.

Eat Oats
 Besides fighting off high cholesterol, oats produce a calming effect that fights off stress. Use them in bread recipes and desserts or for thickening in soups. Or just eat a bowl of oatmeal!

Dine on pasta
 When you're faced with eating a late-night meal, choose pasta. It causes a rise in the brain chemical called serotonin, which has a calming effect on the body. Rice produces the same effect.

Eat whole-wheat bread

 It's high in the B vitamins, which sustain the nervous system. Other B-rich foods include whole-wheat pita bread, whole-grain cereal, pasta, and brown rice. For a good stress-fighting diet, about 60 percent of your daily calories should come from these starchy foods, divided among your meals.

Holy Basil

Holy basil is another cherished Ayurvedic herb that works as a natural anti-stress agent. Being an adaptogenic herb, it enhances the body’s natural response to physical and emotional stress. Plus, it helps the body function properly during times of stress.

• Chew 10 to 12 fresh holy basil leaves twice daily.
• You can even drink a cup of basil tea to reduce stress. To make the tea, put 1 tablespoon of fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain, add some raw honey and sip the tea slowly.

Meditation
Meditation, or mindfulness, only takes 15 to 30 minutes a day, which is possible even in a packed schedule. It’s also incredibly affordable, considering the only tool you need is your own mind. Just give yourself some silent time to let your thoughts run free or just focus on your breathing. That small amount of peace in your day can help you deal with or even release stress
Yogurt

Yogurt is the best home remedy for stress. It is rich in vitamin A, B complex and vitamin D. It provides relief from insomnia, migraine and cramps associated with menstruation. It is a best diet for stress.

Soothing drinks for stress

• Warm milk and honey with little amount of cinnamon It is the best drink to be taken at night that helps in relaxation.

• Honey Take one spoonful of honey in hot water to get immediate relief from stress. This is a very simple home remedy for stress.

Additional Tips

1. Try to keep things organized to enjoy peace of mind and a sense of control over your life.
2. Limit your Internet and phone use so that you can spend more time with your family and friends.
3. Get proper sleep. Sleep is a natural stress reducer.
4. Enjoy a walk for 30 minutes, 5 times a week.
5. Limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
6. Eat healthy foods like whole grains and protein to improve your mood and fight stress.
7. Include more vitamin C foods in your diet. Vitamin C helps bring stress hormone levels back to normal.
8. If you smoke, quit smoking.
9. Listen to soothing music when you are under stress. Music can be soothing for your mind.
10. Aromatherapy can also provide relief from stress by improving your mood, reducing anxiety and aiding focus and concentration.

11.Take up a calming hobby like knitting, working on puzzles, reading or singing to        

      keep your life stress-free.