Facebook
Twitter
Stress Home Remedies
Information
Stress. It really should be a four-letter word. Here in the 21st century, it's as pervasive as the air that we breathe and as contagious as the common cold.
Since stress is so difficult to avoid, why not make it work for you instead of against you? Stress is a force you can turn to your advantage. You don't have to run from it, and you don't have to go to a stress-management seminar to find out how to manage it. The following doctor-tested tips show you how to combat stress—and win. For relief when the world has you in a headlock, read on.
When to call a doctor
Too much stress can directly threaten your health.
If your symptoms are new and have no obvious cause, especially if they interfere with your quality of life, see a doctor, says Paul J. Rosch, M.D.
Any of the following stress-related symptoms may indicate that you should seek medical help promptly.
• Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
• Gritting or grinding teeth
• Stuttering or stammering
• Tremors, trembling of lips or hands
• Neck ache, back pain, or muscle spasms
• Light-headedness, faintness, or dizziness
• Ringing, buzzing, or "popping sounds"
• Frequent blushing or sweating
• Cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Dry mouth or problems swallowing
Panel of Advisors
Herbert Benson, M.D., is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute of Mind-Body Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Bradley W. Frederick, D.C., is a chiropractor and director of the International Institute of Sports Medicine in Los Angeles.
Emmett Miller, M.D., is co-founder of the groundbreaking Cancer Support and Education Center in Menlo Park, California. He is a nationally recognized expert on stress and mind-body medicine and publishes experiential CDs and books.
Ronald Nathan, Ph.D., is a clinical professor at Albany Medical College in New York and author of The Fast Technique™ for Stress Relief.
Paul J. Rosch, M.D., FACP, is a clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla, president of the American Institute of Stress, and honorary vice president of the International Stress Management Association. He has served as adjunct clinical professor of medicine in psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and on the faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Douglas Schar, Dip.Phyt., M.C.C.P., M.N.I.M.H., is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in the United Kingdom and an herbalist in Washington, D.C. He has a diploma in phytotherapy.
If You Do Just One Thing
RECOMMENDED BY THE EDITORS
Get a new attitude1 comment
"I think the single most important point you can make about stress is that in most cases it's not what's out there that's the problem, it's how you react to it," says Paul J. Rosch, M.D.
READ MORERemedies
SEE REMEDIES FROM:
Drop your jaw and roll it left to right
"People under pressure have a tendency to clench their teeth," says Dr. Miller.
Press on your temples
This application of acupressure—the system that uses pressure points to relieve pain and treat a variety of ailments—works indirectly. Massaging nerves in your temples, says Dr.
Take a hot soak
Hot water works by defeating the stress response, says Dr. Frederick. When we're tense and anxious, bloodflow to our extremities is reduced.
Take several deep breaths
Belly breathing is what some people call it. It's an old and useful trick for reducing anxiety and nervousness."The basic idea is act calm, be calm," says Bradley W. Frederick, D.C.
Oust stress with oat straw
Oat straw is a traditional remedy for nervous exhaustion and depression.
Get up and leave
"Take a pot off the burner, and it quits boiling," says Dr. Nathan. "Leaving the scene can also give you a fresh perspective."
Massage your target muscles
"Most of us have particular muscles that knot up under stress," Dr. Miller says.
Move around
Regular exercise, of course, builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress.
Tune in the music
Relaxation cassettes work, but they aren't your only option. The right music soothes as perhaps nothing else does."Music is an enormously powerful tool for fighting stress," Dr.
RELATED AILMENTS
Top Remedies
MOST COMMENTS
Browse Common Conditions:
Free Newsletter
Sign up for the FREE daily newsletter and get useful tips to keep yourself, your family, and the planet healthy and thriving.
Your Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Policy
BE SOCIAL WITH US!
2009-2013 Copyright Rodale. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Notice Your Privacy Rights Manage Email Preferences
The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not
a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis.
Read our Medical Advice Notice.
To make a payment, cancel or renew your subscription for any Rodale product, contact customer service at:
400 South Tenth Street • Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
(866) 387-0509 • www.rodaleinc.com/customer-service • E-mail: customer_service@rodale.com • Your Privacy Rights
Press on your temples
Take a hot soak
Stretch your chest for better breathing