MANAGING StReSS: PART 1

Lifestyle, Herbs & Botanicals

Stress activates the bodies flight or flight response. In a world of constant stress, whether it be from family or work pressures or just your own concerns and fears, our body can be in a constant state of stress.

Here are some practical ways to alleviate the stress we may feel from our day to day life

Just Breathe
Being still and concentrating on slow deep breathing for 10-15 minutes can do wonders for the symptoms of stress. There have been studies where this simple act can help lower your blood pressure.  Regular meditation has also been shown to combat the negative effects of stress.
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Social Connections
Having healthy relationships with people you love and trust is a great stress reducer.  We need to take the time to be with our loved ones to feel connected and enjoy life.

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Play
Playing with your children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews is a great way to get out of our head and just laugh and play for a while with our young ones.  Walking the dog, riding that bike, hiking with a friend... all of these activities are beneficial for the body and are great remedies for stress.

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Exercise
As little as 30 minutes per day can do wonders to manage stress. “Nature Therapy” is as simple as a walk in the woods, on the shore, or at favorite park... any place that will bring about a positive emotional response to release endorphins and relax the nervous system, body & mind.  ​

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Herbs & Botanicals
There are times when we may need some herbal assistance to manage and cope with stress.  Adaptogenic herbs, like Rhodiola, Ashwaghanda & Holy Basil are wonderful at helping the body to adapt to stress and to keep the body in balance. Chamomile, Passionflower & Lavender are wonderful & safe herbs to calm the nervous system and manage stress. Valerian, Lemon Balm, & Hops are great nervines for dealing with stress, anxiety & sleeplessness.
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Aromatherapy
Our sense of smell is closely associated with memory.  Perhaps it is because the anatomy is positioned in such close proximity to our brain.  Some odors and scents that may be pleasing to some, may create a strong negative reaction due to “smell memory” in others.  Aromatherapy can be as simple as walking through a field of scented flowers to uplift our spirit.  When I am out in the garden and I touch and smell all the herbs and flowers, it is like heaven on earth.

We can also use Essential Oils to manage stress. When conveniently placed into diffusers in the home, car, or even as a pendant worn around your neck, they create pleasing aromas, that are great ways to manage stress.  Just a few drops, of these concentrated forms of herbs and botanicals, are a great way to calm your stress and brighten your mood.

Essential Oils like Lime, Neroli, & Clary Sage, just to name a few, are beneficial for their effects on stress.  When applying oils to the skin, be sure to use carrier oil, like jojoba, coconut or olive oil, as some essential oils may irritate the skin.

There are many ways to manage stress, and there is no one right way for everyone.  Once you can find what works for you keep at it and always remember to breathe in the good, and breathe out the bad.  

Many of the products mentioned here can be found at Maggie's Market, where we are always available to assist you in choosing the right dosage and combination for your health and well-being.  

In health & wellness,
Melissa

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/what-is-stress#1
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20669377,00.html#chamomile-0
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/can-you-eliminate-stress-with-aromatherapy