Stress and anxiety are the most common words in people's lives. From minor issues to major professional and personal issues, every age group is suffering from this condition. We constantly remains anxious or stressed due to changing lifestyles.
WHAT IS ANXIETY
In common words, a feeling of unease, nervousness or worry, typically with an uncertain outcome or about an imminent event or something which might happen. In anxiety, person shows reactions like repeating same actions again and again, pacing back & forth and many other nervous reactions.
WHAT IS STRESS
In simple words, due to advance or demanding circumstances, a state of mental or emotional strain or tension occurs. In response, our body may react by an emotional or physical reaction. The triggers of stress can be emotional, environmental or social and many other factors.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS OF STRESS AND ANXIETY
The main reason for constant stress and anxiety is unhealthy junk foods, unhealthy lifestyle, late sleeping hours & lack of workouts and physical exercise. Another reason for anxiety and stress may be lack of anti-oxidants which fight anxiety and lack of happy hormones.
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES WHEN SOMEBODY IS UNDER STRESS
If a patient is suffering from anxiety and stress, variety of symptoms may occur which are as follows:
Behavioural Symptoms
- Remains indifferent and isolated
- Appetite decreases or increases sharply
- Ignoring and neglecting things constantly
- Nervous behaviour like being hasty, biting nails
- Sleep decreases or increases constantly
Physical Symptoms
- Heartbeat decreases or increases
- General pain in the body
- May have diarrhoea and constipation
- Morning sickness, dizziness or nausea
- Frequent colds
Emotional Symptoms
- Being short tempered
- Irritable behaviour
- Isolation and loneliness
- Depression
- Getting anxious over pretty issues
HOW TO MANAGE ANXIETY AND STRESS
In modern medicines various therapies are there to manage anxiety and stress such as cognitive behavioural therapy, exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis and medicines like antidepressants, beta blockers, benzodiazepines etc.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
It is the most commonly preferred therapy nowadays. This treatment is very beneficial in treating anxiety disorders, panic disorders, stress and many more. Cognitive behaviour therapy includes 2 therapies; Cognitive Therapy and Behaviour Therapy.Identifying negative thoughts, challenging negative thoughts and replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts are the 3 steps which should be followed in the management of stress and anxiety.
Exercise
Exercise is an anxiety reliever as well as a natural stress buster. Exercise of 30 minutes for 5 days a week acts as an anxiety reliever. Adding 1 hour of aerobic exercise to daily routine helps in relieving anxiety and stress for better results.
Relaxation Techniques
Progressive muscle relaxation, controlled visualization, controlled breathing, meditation will help in relieving anxiety.
Biofeedback
To measure psychological functions, use sensors to measure breathing, heart rate and muscle tension will help to keep a check on body's anxiety response.
Medications
Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers are used for management of stress and anxiety.
How Ayurveda Helps in Management of Stress and Anxiety
Ayurveda uses natural and effective ways to treat diseases from roots. It is well known that every disease is caused by imbalance in the 3 doshas of the body[vata, pitta, kapha]. The balance in these doshas results in the cure of the diseases.
Ayurvedic therapy helps in removing stress and anxiety from the body in an effective, safe and natural way.
1. Brahmi[bacopamonneiri]
- It is a very important and well known herb for its beneficial properties.
- It plays a beneficial role in the stress management, anxiety, post natal depression.
- The main ingredient of many memory products is brahmi.
- It plays a crucial role in maintaining the co-ordination between the components of nervous system and help in raising the functioning of brain.
- This herb is used as tranquilizer as it controls the action of anxiety on nervous system.
- It helps in relaxing the mind and the body.
- It helps in management of anxiety, stress and depression.
- It is an amazing ingredient of brahmi capsules, stress support capsules, medhyachuna by the house of planet Ayurveda.
- Have 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Ashwagandha[withaniasomnifera]
- This herb helps in the management of fatigue, stress, anxiety and various other emotional disturbances.
- This herb helps in reducing stress induced neurological disorders.
- To make the brain functioning quicker and sharper, this herb helps in nourishing the brain.
- Have 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Vacha[acoruscalamus]
- This is a potent herb and acts as a nerve tonic.
- The root of this herb acts as a reliever in many mental disorders.
- It gives a calming effect to the brain and helps in stress management.
- It is an essential ingredient of medhyachurna.
- Take 1 pinch or 1 gram powder twice daily.
4. Shankhpushpi[convolvulus pluricaulis]
- This herb has the power to increase the retention power and concentration.
- It works wonderfully in stress management and anxiety.
- It is used in the preparation of medhyachurna.
- Take 1 pinch or 1 gram powder twice daily.
5. Gotukola[Indian pennywort]
- This herb is used for increasing concentration and memory.
- It prevents natural exhaustion and covers lack of concentration.
- Actually, this herb feeds the whole nervous system.
- This herb is used in the preparation of gotu kola capsules
- Have 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
6. Herbal Teas
- Basil tea, mint tea, chamomile tea helps in stress reduction.
- A cup of elderberry flower tea helps in relaxing the nerves and also induces sleep.
- Have 1 cup in the morning and 1 in the evening for better results.
7. Food
- Do not eat food in late nights.
- In dinner, having lettuce gives calming effect to the brain.
8. Massage and Rub
- Massage your head and temples with the lavender oil.
- A warm bath by adding some drops of chamomile oil, helps in stress relieving.