STRESS

Effective strategies to manage stress:

Adding stress to our lives seems easy enough. It’s getting rid of it and managing it that’s the tough part. We have a magic word for you that are bound to reduce some of that stress. Read on for more.

The big S word: STRESS

Stress has become a malady spanning individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. We live in an ‘instant ‘time where everyone wants something instantly. Too many expectations from us and the tension of living up to them take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Do you remember the last time you went for a relaxing walk or just stood in your balcony watching the world go by? Do you keep reminding yourself about that one day you will pick up the paintbrush to paint or start swimming? Our guess is… NO. That world ceases to exist.

How to Minimize Stress:

To tackle stress, the first step is to acknowledge that you are feeling burnt out and your enthusiasm for things you previously enjoyed has deteriorated. So, when you feel the stress creeping up on you, remember to feel  "RESTED".

R—Relaxation:  Incorporate relaxation into your day. Be it a hobby or meditation, make sure you spare a chunk of time to read your favorite book, watch that television serial or call a friend who matters.

E – Exercise:  When it comes to the human body the old adage ’use it or lose it’ holds good. Being fit has numerous benefits and helps ward off illness. To add to that, you’ll look great and your clothes will fit better too.

S—Sleep: Sleep is one of the most neglected areas of our lives in this day and age. A good nights sleep is something a lot of people yearn for. Caffeine, heavy food causing indigestion and alcohol all interfere with sleep. Having a set bedtime routine, avoiding excess television and having a warm glass of milk at bedtime aid blissful slumber.

T—Time management: Organizing your time goes a long way in keeping stress at bay. Maintain a daily and weekly organizer to avoid forgetting important stuff. Do what needs to be done in order of priority. In other words, do first things first.

E—Empower yourself: A positive attitude ensures that you are empowered and in control of your life. A wise person once said, “Life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent how you react to it.”

D—Diet: Watch what you put into your mouth. Caffeine, sugar and processed food all make you feel low after an initial energy boost. Switch to healthier options like green tea or a fruit for a mid-day snack instead. Minimize eating out and junk food while including soups and salads for a more balanced meal. Substitute white bread with brown or the multi-grain variety.

Stress in small doses is a good thing. Before it spirals out of control we must try to listen to our body and guess its needs. Remember to take the time out for yourself, laugh a lot and don’t sweat the small stuff. Go ahead and do what makes you happy, after all you only live once.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION

Depressed woman

Natural remedies for depression are an effective method for coping with stress and day-to-day pressures. The symptoms of depression are a negative condition of mind, fluctuating mood, sudden changes in weight, excessive eating or no appetite, insomnia or excess sleep and lack of concentration. The extent of depression may vary and in severe cases an individual may even turn suicidal. Mild cases of depression can be treated quite effectively using herbal remedies.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Apple: Apple eaten with milk and honey serves as a good herbal remedy depression. This is because of the nutrients present in this fruit. Fresh apple juice is also beneficial taken at the time of depression.

Asparagus: It has medicinal and diuretic properties. The asparagus roots can be dried and this powder can be taken along with water twice daily.

Cardamom: Boil powdered cardamom seeds in water and add it in while making tea. Cardamom contains therapeutic properties due to its volatile oil. It also has a pleasant aroma that soothes the mind.

Rose: Rose petals are perhaps the simplest herbal remedies for depression. Simply, add rose petals to a cup of warm water and drink it. You may add some sugar for taste.

 

Avocado fruit and leaves

Avocado leaves: Avocado is high in potassium. As a herbal remedy depression, put warm avocado leaves on your forehead which will provide instant relaxation. Due to its Vitamin B6 components, it also helps to control mood swings seen especially among women.

Mint leaves: Mint leaves are another effective remedy mainly due to its fragrance that has a calming effect on the body. Use mint leaves while making tea or simply inhales the aroma of mint leaves boiled in water.

Stress and feelings of low self worth or low self esteem also go hand in hand with depression and it’s important to relax and think positive. Engaging in hobbies and interests or social activities that yield pleasure and give you a sense of purpose go a long way to help deal with the problem. Yoga and meditation are also extremely useful as they help you to relax and clear your mind. A healthy diet, and regular exercise and walks will also help you to stay fit and improve your sense of self worth, practically curing your depression. Support from family and friends are vital for dealing with depression. For this reason self help groups, support groups and counselling sessions are the most effective treatment for depression.

YOGA AT WORK

Busy work routines leave less time for a fitness regime.You can’t find the time in today’s busy and competitive world? However a little yoga at work can go a long way. Did you know that you can include a bit of exercise even when you are in office!!! Yoga stretches to keep you alert during the workday, and to release stress before you head home:

Simple Meditation

Sitting in front of the computer screen for long hours affects the eyes, neck, back as well as shoulders of the body. A little bit of meditation can not only rejuvenate the muscles of the body, but also bring about more efficiency in your work. Therefore, make sure to close your eyes, focus on one single object and completely block out all other thoughts from your mind. Practice this at least once a day for a few minutes each to refresh and enervate your mind.

Neck Rolls

The worst part of long hours at work and especially sitting at a desk the entire day, is the effect on the neck. It is important not to let that part of the body become stiff and give it some exercise from time to time. For this exercise, you do not even need to move from your seat. Place your palms on your knees, and keeping your back straight, roll your neck slowly from one side to the other. Repeat by moving the neck the other side. Do this a few times, and repeat 2-3 times during the day.

Arm Stretch

For this exercise, you need to make sure you have some open space around your seat or cubicle. Stand up straight, with your feet apart. Now take your hands behind your back and clasp both of them together. Pull them away from your body and try and feel the stretch in your arm muscles. Then, slowly bring the arms back to the side of your body. Repeat this 4-5 times. Of course, you need to ensure you do not bump your colleague on their head as you stretch!

Wrist Stretch

This is another exercise you can do by standing straight up in front of your desk. Now, place your palms on the desk, so that your wrists are facing the laptop or computer and the fingers are pointed towards you. Applying pressure on the wrist and keeping your back straight, lean towards the front. Be careful to come back to the original position if you begin to feel any pain or of your head begins to reel.

Chair Twist-A

1. Sit on the edge of your chair, sideways with your left side facing the chair back.

2. Throughout the pose, keep your feet and knees together and even.

3. Place your hands on the chair as shown.

4. Inhale while straightening your spine. As you exhale, twist toward the back of the chair, twisting from the very bottom of your spine -- pushing with your left hand and pulling with your right hand.

5. Repeat the inhalation/straighten, exhalation/twist series several times.

6. Release and switch sides.

Chair Twist-B

1. Sit in the middle of your chair, sideways with your left side facing the chair back.

2. Repeat the same routine as in Chair Twist A.

3. Do you feel the twist in the spine at a slightly different place?

4. If you need to, place a book under your feet to keep them flat.

Chair Lower Back Stretch

1. Sit in your chair and widen your legs so they are wider than hip-distance apart.

2. From the hip crease, bend forward and allow your entire body to relax. You can round your back. Drop your head and completely relax your neck.

3. If you are not completely comfortable, try putting a rolled blanket or towel at the hip crease and lean over again.

4. Hold this pose as long as you like, allowing each exhalation to relax your body and mind a little more. Sit up on an inhalation, pause for a few moments, and try again.

The above methods are easy and comfortable yoga positions to practice while at work. However, it is always advisable to consult a professional before you implement these.

GREAT STRESS RELIEF TIPS

1. Eat a Healthy Diet.

What you put into your body can make you feel energized and light, or sluggish and stressed. A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein and whole foods can actually reduce your stress level, increase your energy, and help your body look and feel better. This will go a long way toward getting you in the mood.

2. Exercise.

You may think you’re too busy or tired to exercise, but exercise can actually give you more energy, and even 20 minutes three times a week can make a difference in your energy level and overall health. You can Pilates while you watch TV, or skip the television altogether and go for a walk. Either way, your body will feel more energized, you’ll have more positive hormones flowing in your blood, and you’ll be happier with your body. These are definite turn-ons.

3. Reduce Obligations

In Your Life. If you get organized, prioritize only important commitments in your life and say no to other activities that take up your time, you can reduce the overall level of stress you experience in your life, and you’ll have more time and energy on your hands and will be less stressed. This all contributes to a healthy libido.

4. Find Help.

I don’t (necessarily) mean therapy, but if you can hire people to do things that take up time and energy in your life, like cleaning your house and doing busywork, you’ll also have less to stress about. It might be more expensive in the short run, but you’ll most likely be more productive in the long run, which will offset the cost, and you can spend your time on the things in life you enjoy, like sex!

5. Get Enough Sleep.

Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your entire system and make you feel more stressed. If you can’t get enough sleep at night, you might try a power nap to achieve some of the same benefits. This could help you have more energy for night time activities.

6. Use Stress Relievers:

If you have a regular practice of one or a few stress-relieving activities like meditation or yoga, you can reduce the stress and tension you feel in your body and mind throughout the day. Having some of the weight of tension lifted you will freer and more able to express yourself sexually.

7. Have A Good Laugh:

It’s often said that laughter is the shortest distance between two people. Laughter is also an excellent stress reliever and delivers great benefits to your body and soul. Try to unwind with a funny TV. show or book, or make it a point to share some laughs with the one you love. Weight of tension lifted, you’ll feel freer and more able to express yourself sexually.

8. Get Connected:

Sometimes when we’re stressed and busy (especially after a new baby or other major change), it can cause us to feel more detached in our relationships. If you make it a point to find time for emotionally nurturing conversations, you’ll feel more connected and most likely more amorous with your partner. Also, if you talk about what stresses you and get it off your chest, you won’t be burdened by the excess stress your problems bring, and you’ll feel closer to your partner. Unresolved relationship issues can lead to low libido.

9. Set The Mood.

Music, aromatherapy, and a soothing environment can all help set the tone for relaxation and romance. A little preparation can yield some great results!

10. Start Slow.

You might want to start by trading massages, which can really loosen you and your partner up and release pent-up tension while helping you feel more connected. Then see where things lead.

Keep Good Heath