Stress

Reduce Stress With Natural Ayurvedic Techniques

Feeling stressed? You're not alone! Finding natural and effective ways to manage stress is becoming increasingly difficult in a world of constant demands. Fortunately, Ayurvedic medicine has been around for centuries, offering us an ancient method to naturally reduce our anxiety and tension. Read on to learn about the various types of Ayurvedic techniques and how they can help you unravel the complexities of stress.

Impact of Stress on Physical & Mental Health

"Mental or emotional strain caused by challenging circumstances is known as stress."

The physical effects of stress can be felt almost immediately, with the body's autonomic nervous system preparing it for fight-or-flight in reaction to perceived danger. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, while glucose is released into the muscles to fuel immediate action.

Mental health can also be detrimentally affected by prolonged exposure to stressful situations. Anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion are common mental health problems experienced due to the cumulative impact of chronic stress.

Women have a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health conditions that can be exacerbated by stress, such as depression or anxiety.

Causes

Stress can be caused by both internal and external factors. Some common sources of stress include work-related pressures, money problems, health issues, and relationship problems. Other causes, such as excessive noise or unfamiliar surroundings, may be more specific to an individual. When you experience stressful situations, your body produces hormones like adrenaline which provides a sudden burst of energy to deal with and respond to the stress.

Effects on the Body

Ayurveda is an ancient form of holistic health practice practiced in India for centuries. It views the body as a system of interconnected parts and works to restore balance with natural remedies. In Ayurvedic terms, stress affects the body by creating an imbalance in the doshas or energies that make up our constitution.

According to Ayurveda, stress is referred to as sahasa. This can lead to decreased immunity, known as ojahksaya, which makes the body more vulnerable to different illnesses.

Ayurveda highlights the wide-ranging impact of stress on the body. It can lead to a decreased ability to think clearly and concentrate, poor digestion, weakened immune system, and hormonal imbalances.

Role of Diet in Managing Stress

Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is essential for managing stress levels. The food we eat can help support our bodies during times of stress, or it can exacerbate the effects. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help restore balance to our bodies and minds when we are feeling overwhelmed.

Foods that contain high amounts of protein and healthy fats (such as fish, nuts, and seeds) have been shown to reduce anxiety by providing us with the energy to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, complex carbohydrates from whole grains like brown rice provide an extra boost of serotonin which helps regulate mood and keep us calmer.

Foods to Eat

Here are some of the best foods for reducing stress levels:

• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is rich in complex carbohydrates that can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries - all berries contain antioxidants that improve mood and reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
• Dark Chocolate: Chocolate contains flavanols, an antioxidant that has been linked to improved cognitive performance and feelings of well-being.
• Nuts & Seeds: Not only are nuts and seeds a great source of essential fatty acids like omega-3, but they also contain magnesium which helps keep cortisol levels low – reducing fatigue, irritability, and mood swings caused by high-stress levels.

Foods to Avoid

The foods that you must avoid are:

• Caffeine: Drinking coffee, black tea, and soft drinks can increase stress levels. Limiting or completely avoiding these is best if you feel stressed out.
• High-fat foods: Eating fatty foods like french fries, burgers, and chips can make us feel sluggish and lethargic, worsening stress and depression.
• Processed foods: Foods that contain large amounts of refined sugar like pastries, candy bars, and sweetened cereals, should also be avoided. These types of food give a short burst of energy but crash our blood sugar levels soon after leaving us feeling worse than before.
• Alcohol: While having an occasional alcoholic drink may seem harmless, it has been linked to increased anxiety and depression.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices

• Tulsi: Holy basil, or Tulsi, is an herb frequently used in Ayurveda to help you feel more relaxed. It is a beneficial option for reducing anxiety and managing stress.
• Ashwagandha: The primary hormone responsible for stress is cortisol, and Ashwagandha might be helpful in reducing its levels in the body.
• Lemon Balm: Lemon balm belongs to mint family and has a gentle lemon scent. It is known for its potent abilities to promote relaxation and improve mood.

Ayurvedic Remedies

Here are some common Ayurvedic remedies for reducing stress:

• Eat a nourishing diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential to maintaining good health. Foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes provide essential vitamins and minerals that helps the body's ability to cope with stress.
• Get plenty of rest: Sleep is important for mental well-being, so try to get at least seven hours per night. Setting regular sleep patterns helps keep your body and mind in balance.
• Meditate: Meditation is an effective way to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good while reducing negative emotions such as anger, depression, and anxiety.

Exercise and Physical Activity

• 1. Yoga: Yoga is one of the most popular forms of physical activity for stress relief. It helps to calm the mind and body, reducing physical tension and mental stress.
• 2. Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercise has been proven to be highly beneficial for stress relief due to its ability to increase endorphin production.
• 3. Strength Training: Strength training helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• 4. Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques such as tai chi and meditation can be extremely beneficial for reducing stress levels.

Benefits of the Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Stress

The benefits of the Ayurvedic Approach to managing stress are as follows:

• Holistic: Ayurveda is a holistic approach to managing stress, which means it addresses the body and mind as a whole system.
• Natural: As opposed to conventional medicines, the treatment methods of Ayurveda are more natural and non-invasive.
• Preventative Care: The Ayurvedic approach concentrates on prevention rather than treating existing conditions.
• Mind-Body Balance: The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes a balance between mind, body, and soul, which can help manage stress which creates harmony in the body and mind, allowing us to better cope with life’s challenges.

Zanducare Products and Solutions

1. Ayush Kwath Powder

Zandu Ayush Kwath (Kadha) is an herbal mix that packs all the benefits of Tulsi, Sunthi, Dalchini, and Krishna Marich. It helps give a boost to one's immunity levels while fighting viruses and bacteria at the same time.

2. Ashwagandha

Zandu Ashwagandha capsules provide various health benefits that help improve your overall well-being. Taking Zandu Ashwagandha can increase your immunity, reduce stress levels and elevate mental performance.

3. Tulsi Tablets

Zandu Tulsi Tablets are formulated with the purest forms of Tulsi leaves to boost your immune system. Containing potent extracts, these tablets help to protect you against influenza viruses and common colds & coughs.

4. Giloy Tulsi Juice

Zandu Giloy Tulsi Juice is enriched with Tusli, Dalchini, Giloy, Sunthi, and Kali mirch.

This juice has immune-boosting properties and provides several health benefits, such as treating cough and cold, improving liver function, and acting as an antioxidant.