Himalaya Stress Care Package

What is Stress?  

When faced with a demanding situation, the brain readies the body for defensive action – fight or flight response. Stress hormones, namely, cortisone and adrenaline are released that raise the blood pressure, elevated glucose levels in the blood, and redistribute blood from the digestive tract to the muscles, thereby preparing the body to react to a situation.

Stressors or the cause of stress are a mix of personal, interpersonal, and social variables. The way we perceive stress indicates that our responses to stress reflect differences in personality, as well as differences in physical strength or general health. To put it in simpler words, what seems stressful to one might seem relatively easy to another.

Can Stress be positive?
Stress is not necessarily negative. If approached positively, stress can help bring clarity in our thoughts and principles.

Experts say that stress can in fact increase our performance. Stress helps us set deadlines and work progressively towards achieving the target. Instead of wilting under stress, we should use it to perform our tasks more responsibly and conscientiously.

Eustress or positive stress motivates and causes excitement. While, as the name suggests, distress or negative stress is unpleasant and causes anxiety.

Do we ignore the warning signs of Stress?
Very often, we ignore the telltale signs of stress dismissing it to be common pressures from daily chores. Then comes a day when our body refuses to budge. Now we realize all along our body was crying out loud for a break.

Psychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways in which we react to stress:

Foot on the accelerator – An angry or agitated stress response. We tend to be heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and restless.

Foot on the brake – A withdrawn or depressed stress response. We shut down, space out and show very little energy or emotion.

Foot on both – A tense and frozen stress response. We freeze under pressure and look paralyzed, but under the surface, we are extremely agitated.

Ayurveda: The Art of Stress Management

Ayurveda is not just a science of medicine but it is a science of life. By recommending a healthy diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda helps us lead a stress-free life.

Here are a few easy ways to cope with stress:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Supplement with vitamins and minerals
• Reduce the intake of sugar, carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol
• Enjoy a cup of herbal tea at night
• Meditate, pray or do yoga
• Body massage with anti-stress massage oil
• Take a walk
• Manage time prudently
• Avoid procrastinating
• Indulge in a hobby
• Laugh more often

Herbs in Action

Himalaya has a range of stress busters like Ashvagandha, Brahmi, and Tagara that are very effective in handling stress.

Ashvagandha also is known as Indian Ginseng, is a very popular stress combatant that contains powerful adaptogens that help adapt to stress or develop coping ability. It nourishes the nervous system and helps maintain calm in stressful conditions.

Brahmi has been used for centuries to help reduce stress-induced anxiety. The herb is described in Ayurvedic texts as a powerful rejuvenator that assists in mental activity and superior brain function. The soothing properties of Brahmi help get rid of unwanted anxieties.

Tagara is a very good relaxant. It is used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Tagara helps keep stress-related anxiety under check.