Introduction to stress

This is never ignorable condition. Even though it may not be seen as harmful to the physique at first sight, is the most unpardonable situation. It is misconception that men only have worries. Women are also affected one or the other way. Stress due to job, matrimonial process, education, personal relationships, love affairs, career worries, looking after children or in-laws etc really makes female down.

“Stress is nothing but uncomfortable state of mind when things don’t go the way you want them to be…!” This is the most clear cut definition among all. As described earlier it itself is never causing harm, but it’s impact on multi-system of the body is really just like a storm over one’s head. Ayurveda believes that these impacts shake up ones mind, body and soul as well. .

Definition of stress

The stress is a feeling when one reacts to particular events. It could be body’s signal to a challenge and preparing to meet the tough situation with strength, stamina, heightened alertness and focus.

Those events that provoke the stress is called as stressor. They are responsible for whole range of events – everything from getting into the stressful subject to the bodily reaction and behavior.

It is the state of mental or emotional strain. It can also be defined as suspense or difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension. Ayurveda believes this to be Maanas Dosha (mental disorder). This could be due to any Dosha (humors) but mainly involving Pitta Dosha. .

Causes of stress

This gets caused by so many reasons. Unpredictable events, the state of community which you belong to, work itself, family problems and shocking news can disturb your mind and can cause stress. This can come with your own efforts…! Like irresponsible behavior, unrealistic expectations, poor health habits, perfectionism may give rise this. Negative attitudes and feelings i.e. pessimism may make you stress.

Post-traumatic stress is also well known factor causing stress. One who is hospitalized for longer period may develop stress called hospital sickness. The factors that make one stressed are known as stressors. It can be divided into two categories…

Internal stressors

Some factors like personality traits and personal lifestyle choices may boost this situation. Over-analyzing the things, pessimism and individual thought process also triggers stress.

The human body responds to stressors in unique way. The hypothalamus gland alerts the adrenal glands to produce more hormones called as cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones make certain changes in the body like increased heart rate, metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood pressure; they also put muscles on alert. The liver also releases some of the stored glucose to increase the energy in the body. The sweating is produced to cool down the body. All these changes are known as stress impact.

External stressors

Some factors like social interaction with people, physical environment and life events that you have no control like death or mis-happening in the family may bring stress to one’s mind. When one is being bullied or exposed to the injury or violence may get stress.

Other factors like danger, loneliness, crowding and isolation are not ignorable. Financial troubles, love affairs and failure in examination or interview may put the person in trouble and may invite stress. .

Symptoms of stress

There are symptoms like apathy or depression, constant anxiety, peevish behavior and loss of appetite. There may be lack of concentration, loss of sex-drive and increased addictions like smoking, drinking and having some drugs. There are periods of irritability or anger.

Panic attacks and anxiety are common nowadays. The person becomes irritable and moody. There could be stomach or abdominal pain or even chest pain in some old people. People refuse the company

There are some physical effects that may include skin problems, heart palpitations and excessive tiredness. There could be excessive tiredness and for women especially disturbed menstrual periods. .

Complications of stress

However, this may not cause any damage at first sight. If left untreated this may damage the micro channels of the body especially in the brain and heart. This also may welcome high blood pressure and sometimes even diabetes. Stress is well known cause for acidity and is popular too. Stressful condition is also related with memory retaining and making positive decisions.

It results in sleep disorders. Some people may find that they are unable to sleep known as insomnia and other may find sleepy all the time known as hypersomnia. People, who are disturbed in sleep pattern, may find themselves more accident prone and less productive during the whole day.

Individuals who are having stress may find themselves having too much or too less food. Both the situations are bad at all. It can put on or lose weight which again give rise to stressful condition. .

Prevention of stress

The first and foremost is start making the list of the things that cause stress to you and simply avoid them next time. Take time out each day to relax. Do some light exercises regularly. You must have your sleep enough that makes you feel better. Eat healthy diet, stop junk food and restrict your non-vegetarian diet.

Whenever you are feeling stressed, take a stand against over scheduling. Cut out the activity for a while and opt for something or someone which is important for you. Don’t try to be perfect as none is. The stress becomes more worse when you expect others to be perfect.

Getting good and continuous sleep is another good remedy. Enough sleep helps keeping the body and mind in good shape makes one better equipped with dealing at any negative stressors. One should build their resilience.

Try to learn to think of challenges as they are opportunities. Consider stressors as temporary problems not the disasters. One should start practicing to solve the problems and should ask other for help without any hesitation. Aim the goal in the life and pave the way for the same. One should make time for relaxation. Being optimistic and believing in oneself is the major factor to get rid of prevention of stress.

Regular meditation and yoga definitely helps one to overcome stress. Try accepting the facts you may not able to change the entire situations. Avoid negative “self-talk” and be optimistic or positive in life. .

Diet for stress

As described earlier, try to avoid non-vegetarian diet. Restrict spicy and oily food. Vitamin B complex helps person to level the serotonin in the brain. Try to add vitamin B complex in your diet. Research shows that vitamin C is also useful overcoming stressful conditions. All the citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc give soothing effect. Have normal and light meals especially dinner. Try to avoid frequent eating and high calorie foods.

Stress often results in cramps and constipations and hence one has to include fiber in diet so that digestive systems keep moving. Fruits, grains and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Eat whole fruits instead of just juice and whole grain cereals. Add fiber-fortified muffins.

It is studied that carbohydrates trigger release of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. This soothes you and makes you calm down. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in a cup of spaghetti or boiled potato or white rice is enough to relieve the anxiety. Other sources of carbohydrates are breads, pasta, air popped popcorns and low-cal cookies.

Vegetables contain the natural and safe form of L Tryptophan which is an amino acid which is good for calming the brain and so the stress. Green, orange and yellow vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which boost up the immune system of the body and fight against any physical or mental problems.

If possible give up too much coffee or tea. Take a small walk-break instead of coffee-break.

Ayurvedic treatment for stress

Ayurveda believes this to be Maanas Dosha as described earlier. There are several single herbs and compounds that give relieves in stress

Some of the formulae that give calm effect to the brain and keep a person out of the stressful conditions are mentioned below…