By incorporating natural remedies for stress into their lifestyles, millions of Americans gain relief from this common condition. According to a 2012 study by the American Psychological Association and the American Institute of Stress, 33 percent of Americans live with extreme stress. Stress regularly causes physical symptoms for 77 percent of people and 73 percent experience stress-induced psychological symptoms. Natural treatments can relieve stress caused at work, at home, and in personal relationships.
Natural Remedies for Stress Deal With Many Causes
Job pressure is the top cause of stress in the United States and work overload, bosses, and tension with co-workers each play a role. Money concerns and health issues are the second and third most common stressors in this country. Poor nutrition caused by inadequate nutrients and an excessive amount of caffeine, processed foods, and refined sugars is another top stressor. Even technology has a negative effect on the stress levels of Americans, with many suffering from media overload.
Physical symptoms of stress include dizziness, headache, fatigue, muscle tension, an upset stomach, and appetite changes. Some people grind their teeth or experience changes in their sex drive when they are stressed. Anger, irritability, nervousness, and lack of energy are the top psychological symptoms of stress. Natural remedies for stress are designed to treat physical and psychological symptoms.
Common Natural Remedies for Stress
Though stress is a normal reaction to life demands, we do not need to live with it. Stress management includes natural remedies for stress that help the body to reset itself, returning to a state of relaxation. Identifying stress triggers is the first step in managing stress. Triggers may include the stressors experienced by most Americans or just daily situations, including commuting and child care. Both positive and negative changes can be stressful, so make a list of all recent events to identify potential causes.
Once triggers are identified, develop ways to deal with them. If a conversation with a co-worker is stressful, politely excuse yourself and continue the talk at another time. When a stressful situation cannot be avoided, develop ways to make it less unpleasant. Get support and guidance from friends, co-workers, and family members.
Meditation, yoga, and time outdoors are other natural remedies for stress. Though we cannot make stress disappear from our lives, we can prevent it from affecting our relationships, health, and quality of life. The sooner we begin managing the stressors in our lives, the sooner we will begin to feel better.
Article content, © Kira Stein, MD, APC. | West Coast Life Center