Although most of us would say that living in a state of calm is our goal, few of us make this a reality in our lives. However, the daily physical and emotional challenges that we face must be handled somehow. Unfortunately overeating, smoking or drinking are often used as unhealthy ways of coping. Rather than suffer the consequences of these ineffective approaches to developing calm, find ways to make use of a broad array of natural remedies that will bring a lasting peace and calm to your life.
Stress Response
According to the Mayo Clinic, stress prompts your body to produce hormones which work to prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response. These hormones increase the heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate, and these can harm your health if they stay constantly elevated. The Mayo Clinic states that this physical state can lead to heart disease, obesity, memory problems and sleep disorders, among other harmful conditions.
Function
Remedies to calm focus on dealing with the body's stress response and learning healthy ways of coping with the stress in your life. According to the Mayo Clinic, methods to calm and relax your body can help by lowering your blood pressure, slowing your heart and breathing rate, relaxing muscle tension and reducing anger while bringing a sense of adequacy and well-being.
Herbal Remedies
According to a study done by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), chamomile can reduce anxiety and exert a calming effect. Although there have not been conclusive studies to prove their effectiveness, NCCAM states that lavender, valerian, St. John's wort and kava have all been used to address conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Massage Therapy
The Mayo Clinic states that studies have shown that massage is an effective natural remedy for encouraging a calm life. Massage can help resolve stress as well as other issues such as depression. The atmosphere of a massage is generally designed to allow you to have a restful, nourishing experience, and to bring a sense of well-being and comfort by therapeutic touch.
Relaxation Techniques
Practices such as visualization and progressive muscle relaxation are designed to help focus your mind and bring a sense of well-being as well as calm, according to the Mayo Clinic. Visualization involves finding a place of calm by mentally picturing something peaceful, such as a beautiful garden. Progressive muscle relaxation helps you physically relax as you consciously focus on relaxing each muscle group. Other relaxation techniques include practices such as yoga, prayer or meditation.
Considerations
For some individuals, seeking counseling or therapy may be a good option in addition to natural calming remedies. Be sure contact your health care provider before beginning any herbal therapies to calm. Remember that dealing with stress in a healthy way is a lifestyle, and it's also important to take measures such as getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet.
Member Comments