Stress and anxiety are endemic in today’s society. Our busy, hectic lifestyles, demanding careers and the non-stop nature of the digital age all contribute to feelings of dread and can give rise to a constant state of agitation, worry or tension.
Stress over time can negatively affect our health in a number of ways. When our bodies are in ‘fight or flight’ mode many different processes take place – some systems within the body become more active, whilst others shut down to allow energy to flow where it is needed. This is a healthy and normal response to acute stress – but when it becomes chronic, it can impact upon our energy, vitality and overall health.
Fortunately, the wisdom of Ayurveda and other ancient medical systems hold some valuable answers and plenty of effective treatments for the impact of modern stress.
Incorporate regular relaxation techniques
Building easy, compact relaxation rituals into your everyday life can really help to reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress. This could be a 10-minute yoga practice, meditation each morning or night, journaling or breathwork. You don’t need to take much time – even 5 minutes of meditation per day was shown to have a positive overall impact on mood and stress levels across several studies.
Try soothing supplements
Although a healthy lifestyle is the first step to feeling better emotionally, there are some supplements you can incorporate into your daily routine to help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Certain deficiencies can contribute to feelings of low mood and increased tension, anger and fear.
Magnesium in particular is a key mineral the body needs to achieve emotional balance and mental wellness – as it supports functions in the brain that help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Our soothing Serenease blend has been specifically formulated to provide three forms of ultra-absorbent magnesium for improved relaxation and enhanced emotional wellbeing. Always speak to your MD before starting any new supplements or if you suspect a deficiency is behind your symptoms.
Create a routine
Having a daily routine has been shown to help immensely with the development of anxiety and stress – but if your life feels chaotic and unpredictable, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Start by considering your day as it is now – writing down how a typical day goes for you. From there, you’ll be able to identify opportunities to set times for certain activities, such as mealtimes. Start small and grow your routine at your own pace – even a skeleton plan for each day can help you to feel more secure and peaceful.
Sleep well
Sleep is something of a vicious cycle when it comes to stress. Often stress and anxiety disrupt sleep, causing more stress, creating an ongoing loop of insomnia.
Some simple sleep hygiene tips include:
*Getting plenty of daylight – (you can incorporate a walk on your lunch break, for example)
*Eliminate distractions or stimulation before bed for at least an hour – especially screens and smartphones
*Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day
*Try pillow mists infused with lavender essential oil, to help promote feelings of calm
*Ensure your bedroom is fully dark at night
Eat well
The quality and quantity of foods we eat can greatly influence our energy levels and mood. Eating plenty of nourishing wholefoods can help better support our brains and bodies as we deal with daily stresses. Certain foods, such as oily fish, cocoa and pumpkin seeds have been shown to help alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress thanks to high levels of omega 3 and good fats. Anxiety and stress thrive on unstable blood sugar levels, too – so be sure to eat when you’re hungry and avoid skipping meals to keep stress at bay.
