We all know the causes of stress (only too well!) but what can we do about it? What are the solutions to a stressed out lifestyle and is there any way we can prevent it from happening in the first place?
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of holistic health looks at external influences and how they can affect the body. The causes of stress can vary but it usually stems from impatience, inability to find solutions, an increasing busy modern lifestyle…the list is endless. Ayurveda looks to help relieve symptoms of stress through massage, herbs, treatments and a specialised diet. Here Dr Deepa Apte, one of the UK’s leading experts on Ayurveda and Yoga and director of the award winning Ayurveda Pura Health Spa and Beauty Centre gives us her top tips on how to deal with (but more importantly) avoid stress in your life.
- Avoid salty, spicy and bitter food swapping for sweet and sour to help pacify and restore balance in the body. Try to keep it healthy and snack on some delicious fruits and vegetables instead of easier to reach for cakes and chocolate.
- Drink tea! Cumin Tea is great for stress and high blood pressure and Turmeric tea helps to deal with infections and prevents stress related conditions. If these flavours don’t sound like your cup of tea, try drinking Ginger and Lemon which is just as effective!
- Massage is very good for reducing stress in the body. In Ayurveda we use massage to help calm down the mind such as Pinda Sveda which uses herbal boluses treatment helps to calm down the nervous system and also helps to nourish it thereby bringing balance into the active mind and body.
- Pay attention to your feet- foot massages when done regularly are also a great way to deal with stress and its effects on the body as it will help to release excess heat in the body and prevent recurrent headaches.
- Breathe! When people get very stressed they forget to breathe and their lung capacity goes down. Practicing yoga can help as it concentrates on breathing and positions such as cobra and fish help to expand the chest allowing more oxygen in.
- Concentrate on one thing at a time. Multi-tasking increases stress so things like eating and checking emails at your desk are a big no no.
- Taking regular breaks from work and stressful situation is essential. The body and mind need to heal before they are subject to further stressful conditions.
For more information on Ayurveda and to book a personalised consultation with Dr Deepa Apte please visit: www.ayurvedapura.com