Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.

However, stress doesn’t need to be bad. Good stress, called Eustress are for example, becoming a new parent, a job  interview; stress which motivates, makes us focus, protects us, helps us adapt and is short term.

 Stress can be triggered by:

Being overwhelmed, feeling under a lot of pressure, procrastination

Not having work or activities

Chronic injury or illness, illness of a loved one or going through emotional problems like depression, guilt, worry, low self esteem, anxiety or anger

Financial problems

Divorce

Chronic stress is the most harmful type of stress. If chronic stress is left untreated over a long period of time, it can significantly and often irreversibly damage our physical health and worsen our mental health.

Stress weakens the immune system and plays a major role in about every illness.


According to Ayurveda, Ojas is a substance found in our cellular tissues and the mind, being the true nature of our
immune system and the health and happiness of our mind. 

How can Ayurveda help in reducing stress related imbalances and increase our Ojas/immunity for optimum health and a peaceful mind?

Quality self care is an important part to relieve stress and anxiety. Take a bath to relax the nervous system, to release tension and quiet the mind.

A daily routine is important for everybody. However, more so if we are trying to balance stressful situations. A regular routine will give our nervous system reassurance throughout the day.

Apply warm organic oil daily if possible to calm the nervous system and lubricate all tissues. Organic grounding sesame oil is a good choice or ask an Ayurveda practitioner what herbal oil could be recommended according to your imbalance.

A foot massage before going to bed can be calming, stress reducing and promoting a deep healthy sleep.

As our body digests nourishing food, our Ojas/ immunity, gets stronger. Ayurveda emphasizes simple, warm, nourishing and grounding food. Avoid processed, frozen, cold and raw food.Add spices like cumin, fennel, black pepper, coriander, turmeric and cinnamon to your dishes as this will help with proper digestion. 

Long term problems with digestion increases the probability of physical and mental imbalance.