Home Remedies for Stress

Physical activity is one of the essential ways to find the right balance between the mind and body, and is well known for reducing the levels of stress and anxiety. Adults are recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes for six days a week, as it not only keeps your muscles and joints active, but also helps in reducing the stress hormones like adrenaline, and boosts the production of endorphins, the natural mood-lifting agent in the body. Find the exercise routine that suits you best, or mix and match a variety of exercises that you enjoy doing the most.

You might also be interested in deep breathing exercises

There is a certain amount of mystery associated with meditation, especially as it dates back centuries with mystics and monks often taking refuge in faraway places to seek peace of mind, hidden away from the public eye. Essentially, it is an activity to ease the burden in the mind, focusing on breathing deeply and replacing a chaotic amalgamation of thoughts with calm mindfulness. Meditation is well known as an activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety, and is particularly relevant in the current world we live in. While researchers propose at least 30 minutes of daily meditation, it is more about the daily practice that can help you truly achieve the peace and calm you are craving.

Read more: How to start meditating for stress relief

Your food habits can tell you a lot about the mental space you are in, as exemplified by overeating due to stress and anxiety. Even the right food choices go a long way in reducing the amount of stress and anxiety you may face in your daily life. Physical conditions such as low blood sugar levels, obesity, high blood pressure or dehydration are some of the common problems people face that can lead to changes in one's mental balance. Even consuming foods that contain excess sugar, artificial flavours or preservatives can lead to an altered state of mind. Having a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients and antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is essential to having the right balance between mind and body.

Tulsi, or holy basil as it is known in English, is a plant common in Indian households. It is well known through its extensive use in Ayurveda in the treatment of various health problems. Right from the leaves down to the seed of the plant, tulsi is known to be healthy for the entire body, as well as the mind. The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medicine says holy basil is a natural antidepressant as it contains anti-anxiety properties that can mimic the benefits of certain antidepressant drugs. Studies have shown tulsi leaves to be beneficial in reducing anxiety, stress as well as depression. Tulsi can be consumed as an extract while there are specific green teas made from tulsi leaves as well. Tulsi leaves do not contain caffeine, which means it can be consumed daily as it helps as a calming agent, allowing the mind to relax.

Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs that has been used in Ayurvedic treatments and therapies for centuries, primarily because of its abundance in the Indian subcontinent. Much like tulsi, even ashwagandha is known to act as an antidepressant. The small plant's roots are believed to have therapeutic powers, which is also recognised by modern science, particularly towards relieving symptoms of stress, anxiety and related to an elevated mood and memory. Ashwagandha has been proven to help lower stress levels by reducing the cortisol levels in the body, a naturally occurring hormone in response to stress. Studies have indicated that small, daily doses of ashwagandha have been beneficial in reducing cortisol levels in the body by a significant amount.
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The bright-coloured plant of the same name can trace its origins back to ancient Egypt, and has had its presence felt throughout different and important periods of history, particularly for its varied benefits. Lavender is used in various forms to treat conditions involving mental as well as physical health. It has even been proven to mitigate the side effects caused by cancer treatment. Lavender is used in various forms such as oils in aromatherapy as well as in teas. According to numerous studies, lavender aromatherapy has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as insomnia. Teas made out of lavender extract are helpful for people experiencing stress and anxiety, besides other conditions such as sleep disorders, inflammation as well as tension.

Another plant whose flower looks like daisies, chamomile has become a rage in modern times due to the teas made out of it. It is well-known for its stress-reducing properties and is believed to help people with sleeping issues. A study done in 2016 showed chamomile extract had a lasting effect on people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but it couldn't stop the symptoms from reoccurring once the consumption was stopped.

Not only is green tea beneficial in the pursuit of weight loss and to get rid of excess fat in the body, it is also rich in an amino acid called L-theanine, which is known to reduce anxiety in the body. Studies have pointed to its effect in reducing the levels of stress on people, especially if taken or consumed regularly.

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Brahmi, another herb popular in Ayurveda to treat multiple illnesses and conditions, is well known for its healing properties against stress and anxiety. The herb is again effective in lowering the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

Vacha, another herb popular due to its use in Ayurvedic remedies, is also known as Sweet Flag in English. It is known for its therapeutic qualities towards mental health. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2020 found that Vacha (Acorus calamus L. Acoraceae) rhizome extract, either used alone or in combination therapy, had positive effects on reducing stress and acted as an antidepressant, and improved cognitive functioning.