Humans are hard-wired to react to danger. When you feel threatened, your body generates chemicals that help with a "fight or flight" response. Unfortunately, most of the stressful circumstances you encounter in the modern world are not helped by fighting or fleeing. Fortunately, there are a number of home cures that can help. If your symptoms of stress are persistent or severe, talk to a health professional.
Yoga
The 4000-year-old practice of yoga originated in India, but its benefits are now enjoyed worldwide. Despite the intimidatingly difficult postures often depicted in photographs, beginners can simply start at their own level and not push past the point of discomfort. In a research study described in the journal "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice," women were given a test that assessed their stress and anxiety levels. They were divided into two groups. Half of the women did yoga twice a week, and the other half served as a control group. After two months, both groups were retested. The group that practiced yoga showed a significant decline in stress and anxiety that was not seen in the control group. You can begin a home yoga practice by taking a class, but if you would like to get started in the comfort of your own home, check a yoga video out of the library.
Meditation
Meditation is a great at-home stress buster that requires no special skills or equipment. In addition to promoting relaxation, meditation may help with conditions from asthma to heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Visualization is a form of meditation in which you picture yourself in a positive, relaxing environment, while mantra meditation is based on mentally repeating a calming word or phrase. The easiest form of meditation, however, is to sit quietly and simply allow thoughts and emotions to pass through you without judgment. Just for a few minutes, stop wrestling with all your points of view and stop trying to figure things out. When you reengage with the world, you may discover a fresher, less stressful perspective.
Kava
Kava, also sometimes called "awa" or "kava-kava," has been used by Pacific Islanders for centuries as a relaxant and mood elevator. The roots of the kava plant were traditionally brewed into a thick drink mostly consumed at ceremonies and social gatherings. It is now widely availble in capsule form. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the majority of evidence points to kava's ability to counter stress and anxiety. In fact, kava may work as well as certain prescription anti-anxiety medications. However, some reports have linked the herb to liver problems. Consult your physician before adding it to your stress-busting regimen.
Ask "Is It True?"
Stress can stem from thoughts that are not true. For example, you may feel anxious and stressed due to underlying beliefs that you always do it wrong or that you're unlovable. Author Byron Katie offers a method for questioning such thoughts in her book titled "Loving What Is." This method involves asking yourself several questions when stressful beliefs pop up. One important question that you can try right now with any of your own stressful beliefs is "Is it true?" Ask yourself if it's true that you always do it wrong or that you are unlovable. Ask whether you can absolutely know for sure that it is true. Examining stressful beliefs rigorously and honestly can help explode them and make life easier.
References
- "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life"; Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell; Harmony Books; 2002
- Medline Plus: Kava
- "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice"; Effects of Yoga on Depression and Anxiety of Women; M. Javnbakht et al; May 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Stress Management: Meditation
