Because I've been so stressed out lately, I have sought out ways I can help myself avoid that stress. Meditate, use relaxing essential oils like lavender, take hot baths, do yoga and stretching, etc etc. All those things are great and help somewhat.
However, avoiding it isn't always possible and you have to respond to it somehow. Sometimes stress hits you head-on like a semi speeding out of control onto your side of the highway or perhaps like a ton of bricks -- whichever analogy suits you. If you have a teenager or a high-stress job, I'm sure you can relate more than the average person.
We have to face our life and its circumstances rather than running away from them, and having a proper, healthy response to stress and the other uglies is paramount to our happiness and success.
After doing some research on anti-anxiety herbs, I came across an ancient Indian ayurvedic root called ashwagandha that has been used for thousands of years to ease the body and mind back into balance. Ashwagandha is said to help with anxiety, depression, insomnia and other sleep issues, mental cloudiness, arenal fatigue/low energy, inflammation, thyroid and hormonal issues, stress, back and joint pain and a whole multitude of other issues.
How does it energize you during the day yet relax you at night? I don't know, but I intend to find out. I just ordered a bottle of the Organic India ashwagandha from Amazon today and I'll update after I've had a chance to take it for week. :)
