Stress and anxiety have become a part of our lives these days.
Stress is a natural and reasonable reaction which is triggered by external unpleasant situations. It happens when the mind faces situations where body's existence is under threat.
A recent study, done by researchers at University of Bristol in Britain, found that people who take stress in early life are at risk of developing negative thinking which could lead to major depressive disorder (MDD).
While anxiety is considered to be a natural reaction to stress, it could lead to multiple health issues like insomnia, hypertension etc. So it is important to tackle both for a healthy body and mind.
Ayurveda For Stress & Anxiety
Ayurveda can help one battle stress and anxiety in a natural and effective manner. In a conversation with FIT, Dr Mukesh Sharma from Jiva Ayurveda explains:
In Ayurveda, stress and anxiety are linked mostly with the increase of vata dosha in the body. Doshas are biological energies that govern the physical and mental processes in the human body.
5 Ayurvedic Remedies for Stress, Anxiety
Here are five Ayurvedic remedies that can help decrease the excess vata dosha in the human body.
Get a Massage
Ayurveda recommends lubricating the body if you are stressed or anxious. Yes, all you have to do is relax. Get a nice head massage at home and calm your mind. If not at home, you can book yourself an appointment for Shirodhara at an Ayurvedic center. Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves gently pouring oils on the forehead.
Ayurveda recommends sesame oil for a head massage. But if you don’t have sesame oil, you can use amla oil or almond oil, whichever fragrance you prefer.Dr Mukesh Sharma
Lubricating the body or getting a massage can help nourish the nerves, brain and scalp. This can make you calm and relieve your stress.
You can also put two drops of cow’s ghee in your nostrils, twice a day.
Practice Pranayama
Pranayama is a very good remedy to relieve your stress and anxiety. It is a Hatha Yoga practice of breath control. In simple words, it is a technique of controlling your breath.
Dr Mukesh Sharma says:
In case you do not know how to do Pranayama, you can just practice simple deep breathing exercises. It will help more oxygen to reach your brain and can calm your mind and body.
Avoid Foods That Increase Vata
Stress and anxiety are linked to the imbalance of vata dosha in the human body. So, it is better to avoid foods that can increase the vata in your body. Avoid fast food or junk food like chips and popcorn. Ayurveda says that they can increase the vata in your body.
Dr Sharma advises,
Strictly avoid addictive things like tea and coffee if you are stressed. It increases the vata in your body. Consuming them will make you more anxious.
Include cow’s milk and ghee in your diet as they can pacify the vata in your body.
Include These Foods in Your Diet
If you feel very stressed and cannot decide upon what to do exactly, you can just try some ingredients that are in your kitchen. Including such things in your diet can help relieve stress.
Dr Sharma recommends the intake of some things like amla murabba, ashvagandha, shankhpushpi or brahmi.
Shankhpushpi and brahmi are available in the form of tablets or syrups in the market. Shankhpushpi syrup can reduce mental tension and brahmi can boost brain function and alleviate anxiety and stress.
Some other remedies include soaking some almonds overnight, crushing them and having them with milk. You can also add some mishri (sugar) to the milk to sweeten it.
A Balanced Life is Key
Well, this is a very basic life tip and Ayurveda also recommends it. Maintain a balance at the physical, mental and emotional level. If you maintain a good balance, your life would be stress and anxiety free.
Do not overwork your body. Give yourself a good rest. Get a goodnight’s sleep and let your body relax itself.
Sometimes, people tend to over work themselves to reach a specific pedestal. It is important for them to understand that they do not have to work to such an extent. They should work only till their body and energy allows.Dr Mukesh Sharma
The more you overwork yourself, the more you are prone to be stressed or anxious.
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