Effective Herbs for Stress

January 1, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a part of life. There is no way of avoiding it. While a little amount of stress can keep you alert and focused, too much can harm the body.

If too much stress is left untreated, it can result to serious health hazards. Also, too much stress can drain the body of its nutrients, impairs the cardiovascular system, and lowers the capability of the immune system to ward off diseases.

Stress management techniques have been developed to combat stress. Aside from these techniques, availing of herbs can also help in stress control.

Herbs can actually reduce or even get rid of the harmful effects that are caused by stress. Certain herbs for stress can treat physical ailments while others can work effectively for psychological problems.

Hawthorne berries are good herbs for stress. They are especially good if you are under pressure. When you feel that your heart is beating too fast and your breathing becomes more rapid, Hawthorne berries can ease these symptoms down. If the berries are not available, you can use Linden flowers as a substitute. These herbs for stress are either sold as capsules or ready to brew tea.

Sometimes, stress can cause stomach problems. In cases like this, stress affects the digestive tract. For digestive system trouble, try to brew tea made of chamomile or peppermint. This can be done by snipping the chamomile or peppermint leaves into small pieces and boil them in water. These herbs for stress can soothe down an irritated stomach.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you can use the herb Valerian. Valerian can soothe tired muscles. It can also help induce sleep for people who suffer insomnia.

If you are suffering from headaches and migranes that are stress related, drink tea made from feverfew or willow bark. These make amazing, safe and soothing painkillers.

Oats is also am amazing herb for stress. This is especially good for a nervous system that is at its limits. This can be eaten as food. If you want, you can drink it in the form of oatstraw tea. Oats can nourish the nervous system.

To strengthen your body to handle stress, you would need herbs that have adaptogenic properties. Such properties can be availed of herbs such as ginseng. With ginseng, your body can handle stress better in a future time. This is unlike synthetic stimulants which can only be effective in a very short amount of time.
These herbs are just as effective today as they are in the past. In fact, they are safer and gentler than modern drugs. However, medicines and herbs are not going to make stress disappear. It also takes good stress management to reduce or control stress effectively.

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What Nervous and Anxiety Symptoms Can Mean

October 27, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

Feeling nervous and anxiety symptoms can mean a lot of things and these may prove to be serious or just a normal occurrence, depending upon the situation. There are times when people are in some situations that cause them to feel that they are in danger, and nervous and anxiety symptoms getting them all scared can be normal if there is indeed a legitimate threat present. If there is nothing to be scared about, and a person feels anxiety and fear creeping in on them, this could mean another thing.

Getting to the root of why a person is feeling nervous and anxiety symptoms can help determine what is wrong and therefore help him or her get rid of such feelings. If a person’s reasons for feeling nervous and anxiety symptoms are for no particular reason at all, they could be suffering from any of a few anxiety disorders. These anxiety disorders can wreak havoc on your life and can very well change you and the way you interact with the people around.

When you experience a feeling of nervousness, there may be a few logical reasons that may also have nothing to do with a threat to yourself. When nervous and anxiety symptoms emerge, there are a few possible physiological causes that doctors can diagnose as the cause with a few tests. Some of the possibilities include hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders, graves disease or even substance abuse like the abuse of cocaine and barbiturates. While nervous and anxiety symptoms can be curbed, the person suffering from such ailments must be willing to seek help.

Anxiety disorders can be the reason behind the prevalence of nervousness a person may feel. People who suspect that they may be suffering from any of a number of possible anxiety disorders (after the possibility of physiological problems have been taken out of the equation) may need to consult with experts on the problem to help them get rid of such a feeling. Since nervousness can sometimes destroy a person’s life due to the possible panic that they may feel at times, it is imperative that they seek help for this. If you suspect that the nervous and anxiety symptoms that you are experiencing are things that go beyond what is natural, you should consult a doctor right away.

More often than not, people who are suffering from anxiety disorders for any small reason are often the people who have been going through these things since their younger years or for a prolonged period of time. Cures for these problems are often done with the help of a professional as well as the support of close family members.

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Physical Stress Symptoms and Their Effects

October 23, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

The Mental, Emotional and Physical Stress Symptoms and Their Effects

Stress has always been known to affect the human body in more ways than one and these are divided into mental, emotional and physical stress symptoms. Mental and behavioral stress symptoms often cover the psychological effects of stress on the person who suffers from stress. Emotional stress symptoms are those that affect the human emotion or relationship related issues. Physical stress symptoms are those that affect the body and the different organs of the body.

Each of these areas that are affected by the ravages of unmanaged stress has different adverse effects on each different area and may result in a number of possible scenarios for the person who is suffering from stress. The most dangerous of these is probably the physical stress symptoms that a stressed out person encounters. The physical stress symptoms a person gains from a stressful existence may include any or all of the following: backaches, headaches, increased heart beat rate, chest pains, muscle tension, lack of sleep or excessive sleep, dizziness, nausea, muscle stiffness, muscle tension and frequent colds. These may seem rather minor to some, but if left unchecked, these physical stress symptoms may result in a person’s demise.

Mental and behavioral stress symptoms are also pretty dangerous to a person’s psyche and physique if left unattended. Some of the mental stress symptoms that may then result in physical stress symptoms include poor judgment, anxiety, indecisiveness, memory problems and loss of objectivity. This may then lead to the person eating less or more than is necessary which can then result in ulcers or obesity or high blood pressure. Other behavioral effects that mental stress symptoms can bring about include the abuse of certain substances like drugs, alcohol and the like. This can be due to lack of objectivity or poor judgment.

Emotional stress symptoms can also translate into physical stress symptoms after they have taken their toll. Restlessness, irritability, moodiness, agitation, the feeling of loneliness and finally, depression can actually result in emotionally motivated physical health problems. Ulcers can result when a person is nervous or agitated due to increased acid activity that is often the result of such an emotional reaction. Restlessness or lack of relaxation can also result in headaches due to the lack of rest and the constant activity of the brain during these bouts of restlessness. Depression can also lead to something more physical, like attempts at taking one’s own life.

All these symptoms can add up to a rather dangerous mix if a person does not know how to manage his or her stress properly.

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3 Things That Can Help or Hurt Your Stress Levels

October 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

Of all of the different things that we need to handle regularly, stress is one that is going to really cause us a lot of problems. As a matter of fact, stress is not only difficult for us to handle mentally, it can actually cause physical problems and can even cost you your life. That is why it is important for you to make sure that you are reducing your stress levels to the extent that you can and keeping them out of your life whenever possible. One of the easiest ways for you to do this is to identify the things that are causing the stress in your life. Here are 3 of them.

Improper Time Management – This is probably to blame for almost all of the stress that many of us experience. All of us are going to be under some pressure whenever it comes to the duties that we have at work and the responsibilities that we have at home. If we are unable to manage them properly, our stress levels are going to rise and it is actually going to stop us from accomplishing the things that need accomplished. Look into proper time management and you will be able to deal with stress naturally.

Dehydration And Lack of Sleep – It is not always things that are easily identified in your life that can be causing the stress. As a matter of fact, simple things such as dehydration and lack of sleep can lead to higher stress levels which really compound on themselves. Make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water every day and get the proper amount of sleep whenever possible. You will find that you are accomplishing more and that your stress levels are much lower.

Work and No Play – If there is one thing that all of us need, it’s a break from time to time from the things that we are doing in life. We may find that we are working all of the time and not taking any time for recreation or to simply get up and move around a little bit. Even if you only take 10 minutes every couple of hours in order to sit quietly and meditate on something pleasant, you will see a reduction in the amount of stress that you have. If you can get away for a few days or perhaps even take the weekend off for once, your stress will reduce even further.

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Stress Meditation Techniques

September 21, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Stress Management Techniques

If you are suffering from stress meditation can be a great way to relieve the symptoms. Buddhist monks and nuns, who meditate often, are well known for being some of the calmest people on earth. Of course, meditation is practiced by Christians and people of many other religions too. Fortunately you can get a lot of the same benefits without booking in for life at the nearest monastery.

In order to relieve stress meditation is usually practiced regularly. It is possible, of course, to sit down and meditate whenever you feel especially stressed, but often times this is not convenient. Anyway, you will get better results if you practice it often.

Try to meditate every day at the same time. For most people the best time is either first thing in the morning, last thing at night or after an exercise session.

Anti stress meditation does not have to be practiced for very long. It is much more effective to sit for 10 minutes, six days a week, than to meditate for a whole hour once a week.

So here is how to do it. First make sure that you will not be interrupted during your stress meditation time. You might want to put a ‘Do not disturb’ notice on the door. Switch off your phone. Use some kind of timer or alarm so that you do not have to keep looking at a clock.

Then find a comfortable position either sitting or lying down. Lie flat on your back on the floor or on a mat, with no pillow. If you are sitting, you can be crosslegged on a cushion on the floor in the traditional meditation posture or use a chair. Be sure to keep your back straight. In a chair, have both feet flat on the ground.

Be aware of your breath flowing in and out through your nostrils. You can either close your eyes or have them slightly open, looking down. You may find it helpful to work through the body, relaxing each part. Do not forget the muscles of the face, which carry a lot of tension.

You will find that thoughts and emotions arise while you are doing this. Try to let them go. They will pass by themselves if you do not get caught up in them.

Some people find it helpful to listen to some relaxing music or sounds or water, birdsong etc while they meditate. There are many relaxation CDs that you can find in a music store or online. It is better to get something that is specially designed for relaxation and does not include any lyrics. Songs can be very emotive and can arouse strong feelings, making you more stressed instead of less.

Alternatively, you might want to investigate binaural beats which play a special rhythm designed to set the brain’s waves to a frequency that is associated with deep relaxation. You can play these on an MP3 player with stereo headphones. Just one warning: you may want to do this in the evening rather than earlier in the day, because binaural beats played during anti stress meditation can be so relaxing you will want to go to sleep right after you finish!

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Relaxation Techniques For Stress

April 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Stress Management Techniques

Believe it or not, using relaxation techniques for stress can help get you even if you feel like you have it all together. There are so many factors that contribute to everyday stress in our lives. You have the busy workday, taking care of children, caring for the pets, cleaning, cooking and so many things to worry about. When problems with money start to surface, then that will seem like the major breaking point. You are not the only one dealing with stress. There are millions of individuals throughout the world that are dealing with stress. If you feel as if you cannot deal with it anymore (There is no reason you should have to deal with it), then turn to some relaxation techniques for stress.

All it takes is a couple of minutes out of your busy day. We have some simple exercises that will help you out. Continue reading below for some quick relaxation techniques.

The first thing you need to do when you practice these relaxation techniques for stress is to put some comfortable clothes on. If you are at work and cannot get comfortable clothes, then loosen what you are wearing. Start by tightening the muscles in your toes. Hold them as you count to ten. Relax and take note of the sensation when you release from tension. Flex the muscles that are in your feet and hold them while you count to ten, then relax.

Slowly, do this routine through your body. Start from the feet, then move to the legs and up the rest of the body. Contract, then relax those muscles as you are moving up. This is a technique that many individuals use in order to relieve the anxiety they are experiencing. It can be done either at home or at work.

During this time, make sure you take deep, slow breaths. Breathing techniques are also known for relieving anxiety. Put your hand right under your navel so that you feel the rise and fall of the belly as you breathe. Take a slow breath in. Pause as you count to three, then breathe out. Pause and count to three, then breathe in. Continue doing this for a minute.

So, the next time you feel stressed out, try these relaxation techniques for stress and see if they help!

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How To Deal With Chronic Stress

April 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

If you feel that you are under a large amount of stress each day, you might actually be suffering from a simple condition known as chronic stress. There are a number of excellent ways that you can handle your stress from day to day. Take a look here and find out for yourself and start living stress free!

Exercise will not only help you lose weight and get in shape, it also helps to raise your mood levels. The serotonin in your body releases after you have exerted yourself long enough through exercise. If you have a lot of stress that you cannot seem to manage, getting out and walking a few times each week is going to relieve a lot of that stress!

Taking time off from a stressful work situation is also a very good idea. If it has been a couple of years since the last time you had a vacation, take a week or two off. Sit down with your boss and talk with him or her about relieving some of the workload that you currently have each day.

Getting enough sleep at night will also help to ease that chronic stress that you are under. Many people like to stay up late or have to work late nights in order to make ends meet. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per day will actually make a difference. If you can get on the right sleep schedule each night, you will see a great change in the way you are feeling.

Seeking counseling or therapy for your condition is another great tool to use. Often times we might not be able to get to the root of our stress all on our own. You can easily get in touch with a counselor in your area for extra support and guidance through your troubles.

Chronic stress does not have to ruin or affect your life negatively. Many with stress simply need to take the time to relax and breathe deeply. Get started today so that you can enjoy life once again!

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Spotting The Most Common Stress Symptoms

April 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

There are many reasons why people are under stress these days. There is stress that occurs at the workplace as well as stress that can be put on you at home. If you are feeling a bit strange these days, you might want to take a look at these common stress symptoms to see if you are showing any signs.

Your immune system can take a real beating when you are under too much stress. If you have noticed that you are getting the common cold or flu symptoms more often than usual, it might be time for a break. The longer you go in this type of state, the worse your illnesses might get.

Everyone experiences a headache here and there. Tension headaches are the kind that you need to be concerned about. Stress can easily increase the severity of your headaches and if you are not careful, you could end up with a migraine more often than you would like.

Insomnia is another of the common stress symptoms to be on the lookout for. Those who are not sleeping well are usually up because they are worried or stressed out about something. Stress has been proven to mess up your sleep schedule and in turn does not let the body get back to full energy. This will only leave you feeling exhausted throughout the entire day.

Frustration is among the most common stress symptoms. When you are feeling frustrated, it usually means that you are too stressed to even think clearly. Try to take a deep breath and relax a little bit before starting a new day. Frustration is something that does pass if you do not let it get a hold of you.

There are great ways that you can deal with your stress. Try to acknowledge the first stress symptoms and get them under control. This will enable you to enjoy life a lot more without worrying about all of the small stuff!

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Yoga For Stress Relief

April 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Stress Management Techniques

Fifty years ago, most westerners either knew nothing about yoga or thought it was an arcane mystical practice from India. Many people shied away from it because they mistakenly thought it involved adopting a foreign religion. Little by little, though, the word got out. Yoga is a form of physical exercise and mental control that can be used by anyone. Today, millions are discovering yoga for stress relief as the most effective form of self therapy there is.

There are several types of practices that all come under the heading of “yoga.” Perhaps the most well known is “hatha yoga.” Hatha yoga refers to the physical exercises associated with yoga.

When you look at pictures of yogis getting into the yoga asanas (poses), you might think that hatha yoga was only for the young and very fit. This is not true, though. Yoga is for everyone and even the elderly can benefit greatly from adaptations of yoga postures.

Another aspect of yoga for stress relief that is widely practiced today is meditation. There are many schools of meditation, but basically they all teach similar techniques. At the simplest level, they just require you to close your eyes and clear your mind of distracting thoughts. The specific techniques all lead to this goal. As a way to relieve stress, meditation is easily the safest and most reliable there is and it can be done by anybody.

“Pranayama” is a lesser known yoga technique, but it is vital to an understanding of yoga and the effective practice of yoga. A good definition of pranayama is “breath control.” Our breathing cycle is directly connected to our mental activity. Pranayama teaches you breathing techniques that will quickly eliminate stress, sharpen your mind and enjoy even deeper levels of relaxation when you meditate.

Look into yoga for stress relief. Like millions of others, you just may find your life transformed by simple and highly effective regular yoga practice.

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What Causes Stress?

April 20, 2010 by admin  
Filed under About Stress

Today’s world is filled with stress, which can be a two-edged sword. In some ways stress is good in that it provides a motivating factor that helps us achieve our goals and exceed our own expectations. But, often, stress can become overwhelming causing untold damage not only to one’s mental well-being, but to their physical health as well. There are many philosophies about what causes stress, but the biological factors associated with it and how much one can take, can help provide enlightenment that will ensure a healthy lifestyle.

There are so many causes of stress that it would be impossible to list them all. They all have to do, however, with the interaction of the mind and body on the living environment as well as other factors such as the food consumption, amount of exercise, job, relationships, and the social and culture pressures of our world.

During daily living the mind and body are bombarded with input. Even from the time of childhood the mind strives to interpret and evaluate the world in a way that makes sense. Much of this is stored in the subconscious and can be released when similar situations are encountered. For example, when perceiving a threat or dangerous situation one will immediately be flooded with emotions and memories that attempt to interpret the danger, anticipate the consequences, and react in a way that will preserve life.

What causes stress is the body and mind’s responce to stimulus, real or imagined, that can affect the body immediately as well as over a longer period of time. These threats may be emotional or physical and each can have a different impact on an individual. When in a stressful situation the brain releases chemicals that activate neurons in the hypothalamus. This is the core of the brain which deals with all primal functioning. This system in turn notifies the autonomic nervous system that something is wrong.

The autonomic nervous system then engages the sympathetic nervous system which changes the body’s chemistry so it can respond quickly. Several immediate reactions occur quickly: alarm which is known as the flight-or-fight response, resistance that allows one to cope and adapt if the stressor continues, and finally exhaustion which is the point at which resources are gradually depleted as the body fails to adapt quickly enough.

The result of stress varies, depending of the make-up of the individual. One can be affected cognitively, physically, behaviorally, emotionally, or in combination and intensity can vary depending on the individual and/or situation. This can have devastating long-term consequences. Stress is now part of our everyday lives, and learning about what causes stress, understanding its roots, and learning to cope can help one achieve a healthier, happier life.

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