STRESS

Stress and depression can disturb the life as well as health of an individual. Being optimistic and taking help of others and planning can help ward off stress and depression.

The storms and stresses of life will either drive us forward or back, depending on how we direct our course. It is easy to blame others when the real problems usually lie within us. Our own personal response means far more than all the influences that surround us. Many of our failures are due to childish reactions that we have carried over into adult life. This is a common cause of mental and physical illness.

Most of our mental illnesses arise because the individual cannot cope with the stress and strain of life. It is the parent's responsibility to help each child to grow up into full maturity and peace of mind.

Main causes for stress are:

Financial situation can cause stress at any time of the year. Overspending during the holidays on gifts, travel, food and entertainment can increase stress.

Relationships can cause tension, conflict or stress at any time. Family misunderstandings and conflict can increase the stress. A conflict mainly arises with so increased needs and interests to accommodate.

Loss of sleep often results in fatigue and quickly impairs a person's normal judgment. The higher centers of the brain are the first to show the effects of overwork and anxiety. Such a person may become depressed, losing all interest in life and burdened with a sense of impending death.

Stress may he caused by a variety of factors. External factors include loud noises, blinding light, extreme heat or cold, X-rays and other forms of radiation, drugs, chemicals, bacterial and various toxic substance, pain, and inadequate nutrition

The factors from within the body include hate, envy, fear, or Jealousy.

Stress symptoms

Body, brain and nervous system react actively

The body and the mind react to any stress factor. A large number of physical changes take place when a person is under stress. The brain and nervous system become intensely active; the pupils of the eye dilate; digestion slows down; muscles become tense; the heart starts pumping blood harder and faster; blood pressure increases; breathing becomes faster; hormones such as adrenaline are released into the system along with glucose from the liver; and sweating starts. All these changes like place in split second under the direction of the nervous system. If the stress factors are removed immediately, no harm accrues and all the changes are reversible.

Poor sleep, frustration, increase in alcoholic intake etc

Stress in its earlier and reversible stage leads to poor sleep, bad temper, continual grumbling, domestic conflict, repealed minor sickness, accident proneness, a feeling of frustration, and increase in alcoholic intake.

Stress causes

External stress factors like loud noises, drugs, etc

Stress may he caused by a variety of factors both outside the body and within. External factors include loud noises, blinding light,extreme heat or cold, X-rays and other forms of radiation, drugs, chemicals, bacterial and various toxic substance, pain, and inadequate nutrition

Internal stress factors like envy, jealousy, etc

The factors from within the body include hate, envy, fear, or Jealousy.

Home Remedies for Stress

Stress treatment using Holy Basil (tulsi)

The leaves of holy basil have been found beneficial in the treatment of stress. They are regarded as an anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves protect against stress significantly. It has been suggested that even healthy persons should chew twelve leaves of basil twice a day, morning and evening, for preventing stress

Stress treatment using Sage

The herb sage is considered valuable in stress. A tea prepared from the leaves of this plant should be given in the treatment of this condition. This tea is prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried sage leaves. The water should be covered and infused for several minutes. It should then be strained and sweetened, with honey, if desired. In the case of fresh leaves, a tablespoon of coarsely chopped sage leaves should be used and tea prepared in the same way

Stress treatment using Nutrients

Certain nutrients have proved beneficial in relieving stress. These are vitamins A and B; and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium which reduce the feeling of irritability and anxiety. Vitamin A is found in green and yellow vegetables. Some of the valuable sources of vitamin B are cashew nuts, green leafy vegetables, yeast, sprouts, and bananas. An element of vitamin B complex, pantothenic acid, is especially important in preventing stress. It has a deep effect on adrenal glands and the immune system; an adequate amount of this vitamin, along with vitamin A, can help prevent many of the changes caused by stress. Potassium deficiencies are associated with breathlessness, fatigue, insomnia, and low blood sugar. Potassium is essential for healthy heart muscles. Nuts and whole grains are good sources of this mineral. Calcium is a natural sedative. Deficiencies can cause fatigue, nervousness and tension. Dairy products, eggs, almonds, and soya beans are rich sources of this mineral. Magnesium is known as nature's tranquilliser and is associated with the prevention of heart attacks. It is found in many fruits, vegetables, seeds, dates, and prunes

Stress treatment using Other Foods

There are many foods which help in meeting the demands of stress and should be taken regularly by the patients. These include yoghurt, blackstrap molasses, seeds, and sprouts. Yoghurt is rich in vitamins A, D, and the B complex group. It relieves migraine, insomnia, and cramps associated with menstruation. Blackstrap molasses, a by-product of the sugar-refining process, is rich in iron and B vitamins. It guards against anaemia and is good for heart disease. Seeds such as alfalfa, sunflower, pumpkins, and sprout are rich in calcium and quite effective as deterrents of listlessness and anxiety.

• If a loved one has recently died or you aren't near loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK now and then to take time just to cry or express your feelings. You don't have to force yourself to be happy.
• If you feel alone, seek out family members and friends, or community, religious or social services. They can offer support and companionship.
• Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your social circle.
• Find new ways to celebrate together from afar, such as sharing pictures, e-mails or videotapes.
• Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed.
• Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then be sure to stick to your budget. If you don't, you could feel anxious and tense for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills.
• Prepare a plan for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. That'll help prevent to create any confusion
• Take sufficient sleep for 8-10 hours.
• Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Go away to a silent place, even if it's the bathroom, for a few moments of solitude.
• Take a walk at night.
• Listen to light music. This is very useful home remedy for stress.
• Drink a hot cup of milk mixed with honey and cinnamon or nutmeg. It will help calm you down.
• Avoid foods or drinks with alcohol, caffeine, chocolate or sugar.
• Eat regularly, and eat whole foods such as vegetables and grains, avoiding processed foods.
• Drink beverages with hops, such as non-alcoholic beer, for relaxation.
• Chew twelve leaves of basil twice a day, morning and evening, for preventing stress. This is also very useful home remedy for stress.
• Prepare a tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried sage leaves. The water should be covered and infused for several minutes. It should then be strained and sweetened, with honey, if desired.
• Vitamins A and B; and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which reduce the feeling of irritability and anxiety, are also very helpful in reducing the stress.
• Foods, which are helpful in reducing the stress, include yoghurt, blackstrap molasses, seeds, and sprouts.
• Regular physical exercise plays an important role in the fight against stress.
• Keeping anger within you adds to feelings of stress; blowing up in a rage is almost as bad.
• Take a hot bath. It is a very good stress reliever.
  

Diet for Stress

Lifestyle change, optimum diet, regular exercise and rest

In dealing with stress, the lifestyle of the patient needs a complete overhaul. He should be placed on an optimum diet, and be encouraged to take regular exercise and adequate rest. If this is done, many diseases caused by stress can be eliminated. Diet plays an important role in the prevention and healing of stress induced diseases.

Food to be avoided during stress

Certain foods associated with stress and anxiety should be scrupulously avoided. These foods are caffeine in coffee and many soft drinks, salt, sugar, cigarettes, and alcohol.

Other stress treatment

Do Regular physical exercise and eliminate unnecessary stress

Regular physical exercise plays an important role in the fight against stress. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation, Recreation and rest are also important. The patient should set a definite time for recreational activities, and should take a holiday at regular intervals. Above all, he should simplify his style of living to eliminate unnecessary stress.

REFERENCE:

The medical advisor: the complete guide to alternative & conventional treatments. 2nd rev. ed. Editors of Time-Life. Time-Life, Incorporated, 2001.

Mayo Clinic family health book. 3rd ed. Scott C. Litin, ed. HarperResource, 2003.

The Ayurveda Cook Book: A Personalized Guide to Good Nutrition and Health

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.