Seven Ayurvedic Tips for Natural Stress Reduction : Stress | Maharishi Ayurveda

Maharishi Ayurveda approach to stress
Seven Ways to Stop Stress in its Tracks

Stress has become part of life for many of us. High levels of stress cause excess build-up of free radicals in the physiology, and can lead to disease and premature aging. The ancient science of Ayurveda offers many ways to combat day-to-day stress and enhance your natural ability to throw off the effects of stress. Here, Vaidya Nitin Agrawal of Maharishi Ayurveda describes some of these approaches.

1. Start the Day Stress-Free

"The Maharishi Ayurveda approach to stress is unique because it is a total approach, and includes mental, physical and emotional aspects," says Vaidya Agrawal. Many of these approaches are included in the ayurvedic daily routine, called dinacharya. When you begin the day with a routine, it sets you up for a stress-free day by helping to keep Vata in balance.

Vaidya Agrawal suggests creating a schedule to make it easier to plan your time. If you have to leave for work by 8:30 a.m., for instance, it's easy to fit these steps in if you wake up by 6:00 a.m.

Schedule for the Ayurvedic Morning Routine

- Wake up in the morning before 6:00 a.m.

- Empty bowel and bladder.

- Wash your face, giving special attention to the eyes.

- Brush your teeth, scrape your tongue and rinse your mouth. This is also a good time to drink a cup of water.-

- Perform abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage).
Because it's best to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for the oil to soak in between your massage and bath, to save time you might want to spend this time shaving, flossing your teeth, or starting your Surya Namaskara or Yoga Asanas.

- Bathe or shower. Use warm rather than hot water.

- Perform Yoga Asanas and Surya Namaskara (Salutation to the Sun Exercise).

- Practice deep breathing or Pranayama.

- Practice Transcendental Meditation® for twenty minutes.

- Have breakfast — a stewed apple or pear and warm cereal is ideal.

- Take herbal food supplements and Rasayanas.

- School or work.

2. Create an Armor against Stress

Abhyanga is an excellent way to build resilience to stress. "If you don't have time for the full-body massage, at least massage your hands, feet, and neck region," advises Vaidya Agrawal. These are major stress areas. Vaidya Agrawal recommends the Moisturizing Massage Oil if your job is a high-stress one or the Youthful Skin Massage Oil for nourishment of body and mind.

3. Meditate to Release Stress

While all parts of the daily routine are important, the Transcendental Meditation program is the most effective way to reduce stress. While there have been over 600 studies conducted on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique, perhaps the most impressive research indicates reduction in the stress hormone cortisol; lactic acid, an indicator of stress; and anxiety. At the same time, serotonin, which is a sign of relaxation, increases dramatically.

4. Calm Anxiety with Therapeutic Aromas

"Therapeutic aromas work very well in relieving stress and have a proven calming effect," says Vaidya Agrawal. Maharishi Ayurveda recommends Cooling Pitta Therapeutic Aroma Oil.

Flowers in the home also create a natural soothing aroma. You can enjoy stress-reducing aromas wherever you are by using an aroma locket, a diffuser or incense sticks. Or you can add six drops of aroma oil to your bathwater for a calming effect.