Natural Remedies To Reduce Stress--an Article from eSSORTMENT

With the approach of the entrance exam, students must be under great pressure. Here are some online tips to reduce stress.

http://www.essortment.com/natural-remedies-reduce-stress-38680.html

Natural Remedies To Reduce Stress 

Reduce your stress with these remedies & strategies using natural alternatives, such as changing diet, using herbs, aromatherapy, reflexology and exercise.

Tension from daily pressures causes stress. Some of the signs of stress are fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, colds, infections, indigestion, pain in the neck shoulder or back, high blood pressure, and compulsive eating. 

In order to cope with stress, a change in dietary habits may be helpful. Eating a diet rich with whole-grains, fruits and vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates, such as junk food and sugar, is beneficial. 

Drinking alcohol and smoking drains nutrients from the body and aggravate stress. Smoking increases the effects of stress by over stimulating adrenal secretion, causing the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to headaches. Caffeine increases the adverse effects of stress and should be avoided along with alcohol and smoking. Instead of taking these substances, use Siberian ginseng, which improves the nervous system and decreases stress and Lemon balm tea, a natural relaxant that can relieve stress. Both of these herbs can be found at health food stores.

Daily intake of Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps boost the immune system and prevents stress related colds and infections. Other antioxidants that defend against stress-related problems are: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, and Selenium. These and other antioxidants are found in health food stores. 

Aromatherapy reduces stress. Some of the essential oils that are relaxing and soothing are: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tangerine and Ylang Ylang. 

Stress can cause headaches, and a tightening of the muscles in the neck, back, and shoulders. A massage relieves these physical symptoms of stress by relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation. Massaging the temples with the fingertips soothes nerves. Apply light pressure using a circular motion. A warm bath can reduce stress by relaxing muscles and increasing circulation. Bath for not more than 15 minutes in warm, not hot water. 

Exercise is essential to reduce stress. Regular exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, relaxes the body and decreases anxiety. Exercise can include walking, jogging, biking, swimming or aerobics. Yoga relaxes muscle tension and calms the mind through breathing and stretching exercises. 

Reflexology is relaxing and reduces stress. A session should involve touching the points on the feet and hands that focus on the adrenal, pituitary, parathyroid and thyroid glands, diaphragm, and spine. Locating these points can be done by consulting a reflex chart or a professional reflexologist. 

In addition to the above remedies, identify the source of stress and eliminate or reduce it. 

An informative book is "Stress & Natural Healing," by Christopher Hobbs. 

Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy.