Stress is usually caused by too much pressure being put on us by others, or in many cases, by ourselves. Left unchecked, at the very least, it can lead to an inability to function effectively and cope with pressure. Worse, it can lead to serious mental and physical disease. Here and the top 10 causes of stress and how to deal with them:
- Not having enough time: Learn to manage your time more effectively.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Make small changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
- Taking on too much: Know your limitations and don’t take on too much. Learn to say “no.”
- Conflicts in the workplace or at home: Avoid unnecessary conflicts.
- Inability to accept things as they are: Accept the things you can’t change.
- Failure to take time out and relax: Take time out and recharge your batteries.
- Work-related issues: Take time off or change your working practices.
- Failure to see the humor in situations: Harness the power of laughter.
- Particular situations that cause stress: Avoid situations that place you under stress.
- Major life changes: Welcome change as a challenge.
To help alleviate stress, spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like, such as having sex more often, soaking in a hot tub, visiting a friend, playing with your dog (if you don’t have a dog, adopt one; unconditional love is priceless), listening to soothing music, watching a funny movie, learning to meditate, getting a massage, counting to ten before losing your temper, and avoid difficult people whenever possible.
A study published in Journal of Environmental Psychology has shown that being in nature makes people feel more alive and is important for overall mental and physical health. The boost in wellbeing and increased sense of vitality from being outside was found to surpasses the energizing effects of physical exercise or socializing with others. The most significant finding of the study was that being outside in nature for just 20 minutes a day was enough to boost feelings of vitality.
People living close to trees and green spaces are less likely to be obese or dependent on anti-depressants according to a new report by the Institute for European Environmental Policy. In the most wide-ranging study yet into the interaction of nature and health and wellbeing, a team of eleven researchers spent a year reviewing more than 200 studies before researching their conclusions.
The evidence is clear that having access to and spending time in nature on a regular basis is inextricably linked to good health. Previous research done in the US found that hospital patients with views of trees from their window were discharged a day earlier than those whose room faced walls. A study done in Canada found that 10 extra trees on a city block were associated with an extra $10,000 in annual income.
There are numerous herbs that have been found to be safe and effective for reducing anxiety, without the side effects of pharmaceutical anti-anxiety agents (one such side effect is brain atrophy). Here are five anxiety-reducing herbs:
- Chamomile: Can be taken as a supplement or brewed as a tea. Because it is mildly sedating, it is often used by those having sleep difficulties due to stress.
- Rhodiola Rosea: A perennial flowering plant that grows in cold regions of the world, including much of the Arctic. It is an adaptogen which decreases the cellular effects of anxiety and greatly improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress
- Passionflower: Like chamomile, passionflower is mildly sedating, and helps those with high levels of anxiety to sleep better.
- Green Tea: Contains an amino acid call L-theanine which increases the calming alpha brain waves. It is not sedating and can be used during the day.
- Lavender: Just the scent of this plant has been known to help relax agitated babies. It is non-sedating and can be made into a tea.
