In the age of technology more than any other time in history stress levels are very high.  Whether people are getting stressed at work, in relationships, financial worries or poor lifestyle choices stress is on the increase.

Here are 3 ways to help reduce stress.

1.  Diet and Food

According to Ayurveda eating the right quality fresh food at the right time is very important medicine for body and mind.  It increases Sattva.  Sattva is a quality that helps to re balance the state of health.  In a decreased Sattvic state the actions are more negative and lead to imbalance.

Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, dates, honey, milk, ghee, fresh butter and buttermilk. Cut down on black coffee, tea, sugary products, too many chocolates and deep fried foods.  Some food items are considered more Rajasic such as meat, fish and eggs.  We need to have Rajasic qualities, which includes functions like action and passion, in moderation not too push the body out of balance.

Foods containing chemicals or stale foods contain very little nutrition for the body and can have a detrimental effect on the mind.

2.   Exercise

Keep active as exercise is very good not only  for physical health but also helps to distress the mind.  It shifts hormone levels in the blood and elevates the mood affecting brain chemicals.  The best form of exercise is according to strength and capacity of the person.  Walking every day for twenty minutes to half an hour is a good exercise to start with.  Swimming, running, indoor and outdoor games or taking a  Yoga or Pilates class.

3.  Relaxation Practice

A yoga relaxation practice such as Shavasana is an effective way to unwind and relax.  Simply allow 15 minutes of uninterrupted time for the practice.  Lie flat down on your back on a rug or yoga mat on the floor.  Have your hands a little way from the body with the palms facing up, and let the feet gently drop to the side.  Gently close your eyes and relax.

Allow any thoughts to just pass through and relax the mind.  Breathe deeply and relax.  Keep relaxing the muscles, mind  and allow the whole of your being to relax and enjoy the experience.

Once you complete the practice gently stretch to energise your body.

Herbs

Other remedies such Ayurvedic herbs can be beneficial to relieve stress.  These include various Ayurvedic herbal remedies such as Withania  or Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi and Ginger. Ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen to help the body cope with daily dress and increase strength. Brahmi  is
a prime herb for the mind, to  reduce anxiety, stress and tension.  Jatamansi is an antioxidant.  It is a known brain tonic and gives a sense of peace and calms the mind.   Ginger increases absorption and aids digestion.

While these activities give relief from mental stress it may require a change in lifestyle  to minimise stress factors and move to more of a Sattvic way of life.

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