Stress is a common factor nowadays. As per the scientific definition, stress is a natural response of the body to any kind of demand or threat. It is a feeling of physical or emotional tension that arises when a person is faced with a situation that they perceive as difficult or challenging. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including work-related pressures, family problems, financial worries, health issues, and more.
While some stress can help motivate us to take action, prolonged or chronic stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. It can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and contribute to the development of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
People undertake various methods to overcome stress. People also rely on Ayurvedic methods to overcome stress. It may come as a shock to realize that Ayurveda plays a role in coping with stress.
Is Stress Dangerous?
Well, a little bit of stress is not dangerous. As said before, some stress can motivate us to take immediate action; they help us to have a look at the best hardworking version of ourselves.
But as they say, “Too much of everything is bad”. Too much stress can affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that suppresses the immune system. This can make you more vulnerable to infections and illnesses, thereby affecting your physical health.
Chronic stress can also lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Stress can also strain relationships, leading to conflicts with coworkers, friends, and family members.
Relationship between Ayurveda and Stress
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, recognizes the impact of stress on health and well-being. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of managing stress as a key component of maintaining health and well-being. Its holistic approach to stress management can be useful for individuals looking to incorporate natural and traditional methods of stress reduction into their overall wellness routine.
According to Ayurvedic principles, stress is considered to be a major contributor to disease, and managing stress is an important part of maintaining overall health and balance.
The centuries-old science of Ayurveda is based on the principle of balancing the doshas. From Ayurveda’s perspective, stress and anxiety are caused by an imbalance in the three vital energies, or doshas namely- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Vata Dosha: This dosha enables our quick thinking abilities, unlocks our creativity and innovation, and can optimize our intuitive power. People with a dominant Vata dosha can find themselves in life situations that can cause them anxiety. As dosha levels rise, one may have to deal with fear, anxiety, insomnia, isolation, etc.
- Pitta dosha: Pitta dosha helps us with determination, intelligence, competitiveness, and self-confidence. As these dosha levels rise, individuals may feel more angry, irritable, frustrated, or incompetent. Additionally, sweating, heartburn, diarrhea, and hypertension can increase Pitta dosha levels.
- Kapha dosha: Kapha energy is associated with strength, constancy, and reliability. People with dominant Kapha can often resist change and be stubborn in usually unpleasant situations. This can lead to high levels of stress. For people with a dominant Kapha dosha, stress can result from comfort eating, lack of motivation, fatigue, lethargy, etc.
Ayurvedic Guide For a Stress Free Life
Some of the Ayurvedic guidelines to get relief from stress are:
- Follow a balanced diet:
In Ayurveda, food is considered to be a key factor in maintaining health and preventing disease. Eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support the body’s natural balance and reduce stress.
Here are some ways to follow a proper balanced diet.
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet can help support the body’s natural balance and reduce stress.
- Eat whole grains: Whole grains are an important source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. Including whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley in your diet can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Choose lean proteins: Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes are important sources of essential amino acids, which are needed for the body to function properly. Including lean proteins in your diet can help support the body’s natural balance and reduce stress.
- Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Avoiding processed foods and choosing whole, natural foods can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Include herbs and spices: Ayurveda uses a variety of herbs and spices to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some herbs and spices that are commonly used for stress relief include turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Eat mindfully: In Ayurveda, eating mindfully is considered to be an important aspect of reducing stress. This means taking the time to eat slowly and savor each bite, and being present and mindful during meals.
- Establish a routine:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of routine in maintaining balance. Establishing a daily routine that includes regular meal times, exercise, and relaxation can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. A life without a proper routine is a very messy one.
Some simple points to add up in a daily routine are like waking up early, maintaining a proper diet, taking time to relax etc. These can really help in the reduction of stress from life.
- Practice yoga and meditation:
Yoga and meditation are both practices that can help calm the mind and reduce stress. In Ayurveda, these practices are considered to be important for maintaining balance in the body and mind.Not only Ayurveda, even the modern Science says the same. There’s a myth going around that only the people with an aim to achieve their desired body must work out. This is wrong as every being must exercise or perform yoga every day.
According to Ayurveda, performing yoga and meditation is a soothing way to eliminate stress from your life.
Every being should accept that stress cannot be eliminated fully from our lives. We can reduce it or try to cope up with it professionally without any harm to oneself. The therapies of yoga and meditation perform the same deed.
- Use herbal remedies:
Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbal remedies that can be used to support relaxation and reduce stress. These include herbs such as ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi, which are traditionally used by Ayurveda to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Get adequate rest:
Rest is an important part of maintaining balance in Ayurveda. Getting adequate sleep and taking time to relax and recharge can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Human life is busy and floundering. Sleep is the only area where you should not be struggling at all. Can you remember the times when you are told to sleep when you had a hard day or a sick day. It’s because sleep is believed to be the ultimate antibiotic to every illness and even Ayurveda pours water into that belief.
- Practice self-care:
In Ayurveda, self-care is considered to be an important part of maintaining health and preventing disease. This can include practices such as massage, aromatherapy, and other forms of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Some of the self-care practices are mentioned below:
Massage: Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga, can help promote relaxation and achieve stress relief. This practice involves the usage of warm oils and gentle pressure to massage the whole body, which can help release tension and promote a sense of calmness.
Aromatherapy: Ayurveda uses essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some oils suggested by Ayurveda that are commonly used for stress relief include lavender, rose, and sandalwood. These oils can be diffused or applied topically to help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Yoga and Meditation: Ayurveda has suggested that practicing yoga and meditation can also help in reducing stress and promote relaxation. In Ayurveda, these practices are considered to be important for maintaining proper balance in the body and mind. Regular practice of yoga and meditation can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote a sense of calmness.
Mindful Breathing: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of mindful breathing in managing stress. Taking slow, deep breaths can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Practicing mindful breathing regularly can help individuals manage stress more effectively.
Ayurvedic Diet: Ayurveda recommends eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eating a balanced diet can help support the body’s natural balance and reduce stress.