Do you think stress has become an inseparable part of your everyday life? For most of us, the answer is YES! Although stress is fairly common and is a universal element of modern lifestyle, it can often affect the physical, social and emotional well-being of the person. while there are various ways to manage stress, Ayurveda offers an easy way to do so without any side-effects. It also helps heal the body, mind, and soul.
Here are some simple but very effective ways to manage stress with Ayurveda:
We all are well aware of the fact that whatever we eat, goes to every corner of our body and shows its effect. Unhealthy, junk, fried, spicy, salty, sugary and sour foods increase the production of heat and causes the feeling of restlessness or stress. On the other hand, fresh fruits, green vegetables, natural herbs, and spices reduce air (
Vata dosha) and fire (
Pitta dosha) and keep stress away.
Only eating healthy food won’t help until you practice a healthy lifestyle too. Going for a regular walk, exercising and staying close to nature can immensely relieve the stress.
Dincharya or daily routine plays a very important role in causing as well as relieving stress. We should follow the age-old rules of daily activities like early to rise, regular walk/exercise, a good whole body oil massage, daily bathing, doing every work with zeal, and enthusiasm, etc. These kinds of well balanced daily activities release positive energy and leave no space for stress.
Apart from healthy eating and healthy living, the best possible way to combat stress is a calm and relaxing massage. Many Ayurvedic herbs are known to relax the body, mind, and soul. Especially, oil therapy pacifies air (
Vata dosha) and fire (
Pitta dosha) to calm down the mind. Oils containing ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, pudina, etc. can alleviate stress through gentle head massage. Not only this, but these oils also have an instant calming and relaxing effect. If you are very busy and cannot enjoy a massage with the oil, just spray it over pulse joints and temples to get instant relief from stress. You can also spray it on your neck and pillow before going to bed to ensure sound sleep and a full night of rest.
Just like massage, Shirodhara is also an Ayurvedic therapy in which oil is poured on the forehead of the person. This is a very effective remedy for ailments like stress, anxiety, chronic headache, etc. Various types of stress relieving oils are used in the process, and the person really feels lighter and relaxed after
Shirodhara.
When we are stressed out, our breathing rate deteriorates, and we forget to use our full lung capacity. So, another best way to reduce stress even in difficult situations is by doing breathing exercises. Alternate nostril breathing is the best breathing exercise to reduce stress. Doing 7-8 rounds with each nostril every day can help reduce stress to a major extent while making way for a restful sleep.
One of the main causes of stress for most of the individuals is a work-life imbalance. Also, many people try to multitask, compete with their peers and try to do things beyond their scope. This can further increase stress. So, it is very important to understand your merits and demerits and work accordingly. Healthy competition is very good, but a competition that causes stress can be dangerous. Also, every individual should keep their professional and personal life separate. Do not take your work home or home problems with your work.
So, if you are stressed out or feel anxious constantly, introduce these simple practices in your lifestyle and observe the difference. Give your body, mind, and soul a well-balanced ambiance for healthy living.
Stay Healthy. Stays Active. And stay stress-free.
