Stress

Stress is the disruption of homeostasis and physical or psychological stimuli. Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. Stress is simply a fact of nature -- forces from the outside world affecting the individual. Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment. it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it. The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism.

Stress can also be triggered by alarming experiences, either real or imaginary. A little of this stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. Stress has driven evolutionary change (the development and natural selection of species over time). And the nervous system quickly returns to its normal state, standing by to respond again when needed. Sometimes stress is helpful � it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems. When the threat or stressor is identified or realised, the body's stress response is a state of alarm. During this stage adrenaline will be produced in order to bring about the fight or flight response. There is also some activation of the HPA axis, producing cortisol. Stress also activates the neurally mediated discharge of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla and of hypothalamic hormones that initiate the neuroendocrine cascade, culminating in glucocorticoid release from the adrenal cortex. If the stressor persists, it becomes necessary to attempt some means of coping with the stress. Although the body begins to try to adapt to the strains or demands of the environment, the body cannot keep this up indefinitely, so its resources are gradually depleted. Term of stress in serious and recognized cases, such as those of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosomatic illness, has scarcely helped clear analysis of the generalized "stress" phenomenon.

Ayurvedic Herbal Home Remedies for Stress Tips

1.The leaves of holy basil act as an anti stress agent. Chew about 12 holy Basil leaves two times in a day, once in the morning and then later in the evening.

2.The person suffering from stress should follow a strict regime consisting of proper balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest.

3.The herb sage is beneficial in treating mental stress and strain. In 1 cup of boiling water, add 1 tsp of dried sage leaves. Let it cool down for a few minutes. Strain the water and add honey to it, if desired, to enhance the taste. This herbal tea serves as an excellent home remedy for stress.

4.Certain nutrients are considered valuable in treating stress.

5.Yogurt is the best food 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.

6.Blackstrap molasses are another effective food remedy. It is a by-product of the sugar refining process and is rich in iron and B vitamins.

7.Alfalfa and sunflower seeds are also effective in the treatment of stress.

8.Sprouts are also effective as they are rich in calcium. .

9.Using various ayurvedic herbs like brahmi, ashwagandha and St.John Wort are also highly beneficial in the treatment of stress. These herbs can be taken as capsules or can be infused in boiling water to make tea. (Available at www.motherherbs.com/) Good Home Remedy for Stress

10.Hot water bath is one of the beneficial water treatments in providing relief from anxiety and stress as it relaxes the whole body. Good Home Remedy for Stress

11.Brisk walk for at least 45 minutes daily is also effective in dealing with stress.

12.Smoking or sniffing ajwain seeds frequently also provides relief from stress and anxiety

13.Yogasanas like pavanmuktasana; sarvangasana, halasana, ardhmatysyendrasana, bhujangasana, dhanurasana, yogamudra, padmasana and trikonasana are also beneficial in the treatment. (Learn yogasnas at www.bharatyog.com/)

14.Meditation is also effective in providing relief from stress as it diverts the mind to some good thoughts.

15.Coffee, soft drinks, salt, smoking and alcohol should be avoided as they all deplete B vitamins that are considered necessary for reducing stress.

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