Natural stress relief is becoming very popular as people want to find ways to relax that don’t involve ingesting chemicals. Here are some natural stress relief herbs and teas that you should try. These herbs are available separately but can also be found in a combined form.
Catnip: Have you ever seen a cat after it has rolled in catnip? Wouldn’t you like to be that relaxed? Find out what Kitty’s known all along by trying some catnip tea. This member of the mint family has been shown to relieve stress, improve sleep, heal upset stomachs, calm PMS symptoms and relieve tension headaches. (However, be advised that pregnant women should not use it.) Use 1 tsp of dry catnip leaves per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for five to 10 minutes.
Chamomile: There is almost nothing more calming than a cup of chamomile tea. Drink a cup before you go to bed and be assured of a good, solid night’s sleep. You can also use chamomile tea as a foot bath or as a gargle against mouth sores. Use about 1 Ω tsp of dried chamomile per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for at least 20 minutes before use to get the full effect.
Kava Kava: This tea is excellent natural stress relief. It calms the mind and body so you can sleep better and it also has been shown to improve digestion and kidney function. This is a very powerful relaxant: Your best bet is to purchase it in gel-cap or tea form and follow package directions. While small amounts are generally safe, drinking too much can damage the liver over time.
Lavender: Ever notice how many herbal products, including soaps, candles and lotions contain lavender? Lavender is one of the best natural stress relief herbs there is. A cup of lavender tea has a slightly sweet taste and has been proven to calm the nervous system. Like chamomile tea, use about 1 Ω tsp of lavender per cup of water and let it steep for at least five minutes before drinking.
St. John’s Wort: This herb has long been popular as a stress reliever. It has been proven to help fight anxiety, depression and stress. St. John’s Wort supplements are readily available at most stores that sell herbal products. St. John’s Wort is best used as a tincture: Place 1 oz of dried St. John’s Wart in a jar and cover it with a pint of alcohol (such as vodka). Place it in a dark place and shake it twice daily for two weeks. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and place the liquid in a dark glass bottle. To use, apply a dropperful into your mouth every day.
Valerian Root: This is a common sleep aid, readily available in the herbs/vitamins section of your grocery store. Like St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root is a very effective tincture. It is also available in supplement form.
Willow Bark: Willow Bark Tea has long been used to treat headaches, especially migraines, thus it is a great stress reliever. Use 2 tsp per cup of water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
The really great thing about herbs and herbal teas for natural stress relief is there are generally few if any side effects or risks. When used as a tea, they do not have additional calories (unless you use a sweetener). However, if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or a heart/lung condition, it is best to check with your doctor before using them.
Tags: manage stress, natural stress relief, Stress relief
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Stress relief tips are a dime a dozen. So how do you know which tips really work or will work for you? Here are five stress relief tips that you can use today.
1. Recognize the signs of stress. The best stress relief tips won’t help you at all if you deny that you are indeed stressed. Everyone feels stress a bit differently: Some feel their jaws clench. Some feel various muscles tense up. Some immediately head to the cookie jar. Think about what you do and how you feel when you know you are stressed. Ask your spouse or a friend how they can tell you are stressed. Also ask them what they do to handle their own stress. Their tips can help you cope too.
2. Get away. We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response. Instead of fighting what is stressing you, opt for flight instead. If you feel like you are about to lose it, excuse yourself from the scene and take a brisk walk instead, preferably outside. A quick walk will get oxygen to your brain and clear your mind. Keep walking until you feel calmer and more rational. You may have even discovered a solution to whatever is eating you.
If the stress is really severe, consider taking a longer time away. Do you have any vacation time available or some sick time? This may be the time to take advantage of it.
3. Keep away: Today’s world is challenging. Not only do you have to deal with your own personal challenges, but we’re all being constantly bombarded with bleak news headlines. One of the best stress relief tips I know of is to unplug yourself from the media. Check the news headlines no more than once daily. You don’t really need to know about the latest celebrity gossip or about the latest business or government rumor.
Also, give yourself one day off each week: Keep the computer off limits, turn off the T.V. and send all phone messages to voice mail. Go play with the kids or your spouse. If you are spiritual or religious, use this day to pray and/or meditate.
4. Be positive. A lot of the stress in the world today comes from the media we use. While it is difficult to detach from it, it is possible to use the media for positive reinforcement instead. Download uplifting, positive images and music. If you find yourself under a lot of stress, take a time out and listen to just one positive song. It will only take three minutes or so but it could make all the difference.
5. Use humor. The old saying is true: Laughter is the best medicine. Compile a file of cartoons and funny stories and images that you can use to laugh at the world and its problems. Keep it handy on your computer or at your desk so you can quickly refer to it when life gets tough.
These stress relief tips can be used anytime, anywhere by anyone. You don’t have to resort to drugs, alcohol or violence. Today, conquer your stress before it conquers you.
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Tags: stress, Stress relief, tips
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A stress relief massage need not be costly in terms of time and/or money. Here are some easy massages you can do yourself, in the privacy of your own home.
1. Here is one stress relief massage you probably do already: Whenever you feel tense, gently but firmly rub your forehead in a circular motion, using the fingertips of both hands. For additional relief use one of the gels used by athletes for muscle aches. (Be sure to use only a small amount if you are prone to acne breakouts as the gels can be oily.)
2. You can also give your face a wonderful massage by just sitting there: Lightly touch your hands to your cheeks, allowing the heat of your hands to soothe your tense facial muscles.
3. You’ve heard the phrase don’t beat yourself up, right? Actually if you gently beat yourself you will be amazed at how it releases tension in your body. Simply make fists with your hands and gently but firmly punch the various parts of your body, especially those parts that feel especially tense. (Imagine that you are a masseuse working on a patient.) Only continue until you feel relaxed; there’s no need to give yourself bruises.
4. Have a ball. Find a ball that will fit easily in the palm of your hand and gently roll it on those muscles that feel particularly tight. For some silly fun and a great back stress relief massage, place the ball one the floor and lie down so the ball is under the small of your back. Shift your body so the ball massages your trouble spots.
5. Put a sock on it. Fill a clean sock with small beans or rice. Add some potpourri if you want a refreshing scent. Close the end of the sock securely (you can tie it with string or ribbon or sew it). Heat it in the microwave for about a minute. You now have a soothing heat wrap that you can gently rub on your feet, your legs, your arms or your face. It’s reusable and will save you a lot of money over those stress relief massage packs you see in stores.
6. Using your fingers find the hollow spots at the back base of your skull on either side of your spine. Move your fingers up to the bony spur at the top of that space and gently rub in a circular motion. This will help relax your entire body.
7. To relax your feet, fill a small basin with sand, golf balls or small, smooth pebbles. Let your feet move slowly through it until your feet feel totally relaxed. Close your eyes and imagine you are walking on a calm seashore, away from the stresses of the day.
8. If you are prone to sinus trouble, you’ll love this simple solution: Place your fingertips at the top of the bridge of your nose, on either side. For your upper sinuses, slowly rub your fingertips along the top of your eyebrows. For the lower sinuses, use your fingers to slowly trace down both sides of the bridge of your nose then out along the cheekbones. Repeat as necessary.
Stress relief massage can be a very easy and quick way to recharge yourself in the middle of your busy day. Next time you feel keyed up; try one or more of these techniques. You’ll feel better almost instantly.
Panic Attacks — End Them Forever
Do you have the common symptoms of panic attacks? If you feel unable to cope, there’s an answer.
Panic Away has helped thousands of people to free themselves from the overwhelming feelings of panic attacks, so that they can live a normal life.
Become anxiety and fear-free, with Panic Away.
Tags: massage, Stress relief
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