Stress and how to manage it

Added 27 Nov 2007

Although we can’t avoid stress altogether, we can reduce its impact on our health. And we can restore equilibrium without resorting to medical intervention or stimulants. Try these natural tips to help put the balance back into your life.

Here are a few helpful hints on maintaining your energy levels and helping to reduce stress over the festive season -

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:

Siting Meditation;
Meditation exerts a powerfully calming effect on the body as well as the mind, neutralising stress, slowing the heart, lowering blood pressure and balancing brainwave patterns.
• Sit comfortably in a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and breath deeply and slowly.
• Focus your attention on an object such as a flame of a candle or a flower in a vase, or on your breathing. This will help to calm you mind.
• Gently focus on the object you have chosen. Sit quietly for 2-3 minutes to start with. You can increase your meditation time as you practise, up to 20 minutes.
• When your mind wanders simply return your attention to the object. It will become easier with practice, so preserve.

Foot Massage;
In this soothing treatment, the combination of heat and small pressure points from the pebbles will stimulate and revitalise tired feet.
• Place smooth pebbles or marbles in the bottom of a large bowl, and cover with water as hot as you ca bear. Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil.
• Put your feet in the bowl and roll them back and forth over the pebbles applying gently pressure.

HANDY STRESS BUSTERS:

• For a healthy source of nerve soothing minerals, snack on dried organic apricots
• Sip on chamomile, valerian, lime flower or lemon balm tea.
• Move vigorously. Aerobic activity, preferably outdoors, helps metabolise the stress hormones created when angry or stressed.
• To quell nausea associated with stress, nibble on crystallised ginger, sip peppermint tea or take charcoal tablets.