Stress is quite a common ailment in today’s fast-paced and hectic lifestyle. Stress is basically a type of non-specific response to any sort of change that occurs in a person’s life. It is usually caused due to hectic work lifestyle, turbulent relationships and monetary problems. Sometimes, traumatic incidents in a person’s life can also cause stress. Stress gets reflected on a human body in form of headache, chest pain, muscle tension, fatigue, upset stomach, frequent urination and difficulty in sleeping. Besides physical symptoms, stress can also lead to emotional repercussions, such as mood swings, irritated behavior, anxiety, lack of motivation, restlessness, untimely anger, depression, sadness, and social withdrawal. The range of stress may vary from mild to chronic and can lead to severe ailments like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and depression. In today’s hectic lifestyle, it is really difficult to stay away from stress. But, we can surely deal with it. All we need to do is have a positive outlook, bring in certain lifestyle changes and consume a healthy diet. A few home based natural treatments can also help in easing your stress. Let us take a look at a few of them.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is an extremely effective herb that is helpful in reducing stress. This is because it has a calming, soothing and sedative effect on the nervous system. It primarily relaxes the muscles, and thus helps in inducing a restful sleep. Just consume a few cups of chamomile tea on a daily basis to combat stress. To prepare this tea, take a chamomile tea bag and steep it in a cup of hot water. After five minutes, remove the tea bag and then stir in a teaspoon of honey. Consume it thereafter. Alternately, add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to your bath water for a soothing effect. You can also use a chamomile diffuser in your home or at your work place to ease stress. However, if you are considering taking chamomile supplements, do consult your doctor.

2. Massage

Massage is another effective way to get some relief from stress. As per traditional Chinese medicine, massage opens up blocked energy channels and thus, reduces stress and improves overall health. A hot or warm oil massage is an amazing way to ease stress. Just focus on body parts like feet, hands, back and head. Massage boosts blood circulation and eases tense muscles. Try using sesame oil, olive or coconut oil for best results. Just heat some oil of your choice till it becomes lukewarm. Then massage your body using this oil. Focus on body parts like forehead, shoulders, neck, back and bottom of the feet. Later, take a bath with lukewarm water. Do it regularly for easing your stress.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, which is also known as Indian ginseng, is quite an effective herb for easing stress. As per a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, it was concluded that ashwagandha helps in effectively combating stress and anxiety in adults. It does it by reducing levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Besides, it also builds up resistance against stress, thus improving the quality of life. This herb is also useful in boosting energy, fighting fatigue and improving sleep quality. You can use this herb in any of its available form. Just consult your doctor for the right amount of dosage. Consume it with a glass of lukewarm milk or water. Do it three times in a day on a regular basis. Expecting women and children should not consume this herb.

4. Tulsi

Tulsi, as per Ayurveda, is a great herb that is helpful in curing a variety of health and skin related ailments. Also, it works as a natural anti-stress agent. Since tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, it improves the body’s response to both physical and emotional stress. As per a study done in 2006 and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, tulsi develops your body’s resistance against stress-induced changes.Consume a few cups of tulsi tea on a daily basis. To prepare this tea, take one tablespoon of fresh tulsi leaves and add them to a cup of boiling water. Cover with a lid and then, let it steep for a few minutes. Then strain it and then, stir in a spoon of honey. Drink it on a regular basis. Besides, you can also chew a handful of tulsi leaves two times in a day.