THE AYURVEDIC APPROACH
From the Ayurvedic perspective, it’s important to reduce stress and follow simple diet, herbal, and lifestyle recommendations to build your own innate resilience over time.
Short-term strategies
Support your resilience to stress with synergistic herbal supplements
How Can We Help You with Your Emotions Today?
In the past week or two, have you been feeling occasionally worried, scatted or frazzled? Do you tend to feel like your mind is a buzz at times? If this sounds familiar, you might have a Vata imbalance!
In Ayurveda, Vata is the mind-body element (or dosha) associated with air and space. Vata dosha is responsible for all the movement and processes in your body—from your breathing and elimination to the movement of thoughts in your mind. When Vata dosha is out of balance, you may feel spaced-out and scattered, your mind awhirl with thoughts and worry from time to time.
Soothe frayed nerves with this calming collection of comforting, Vata-balancing Ayurvedic herbal remedies, which help you de-stress by calming your stress response and soothing frayed nerves.
Feeling like you have a short fuse? Have you been experiencing bursts of frustration, irritability, and anger recently? If so, you probably have a Pitta imbalance.
Pitta is the Ayurvedic mind-body element (dosha) associated with fire and water. Pitta dosha is responsible for the metabolic processes in your body—particularly your digestive fire. When Pitta dosha is out of balance, your temperament might get a bit fiery, too.
Try these cooling, soothing, Pitta-balancing Ayurvedic herbal remedies, which are designed to help ease tension and build inner contentment and confidence.
Got the blues from time to time? Some people tend to get bogged down by the weight of the world on occasion. If you’ve been feeling dull, sluggish, lethargic, and a bit down in the dumps lately, you might have a Kapha imbalance.
In Ayurveda, Kapha dosha is the mind-body element associated with earth and water. Kapha dosha governs your body’s structure and tissues, from your bones to your muscles. When Kapha is out of balance, you naturally feel heavier in both mind and body at times.
Ayurvedic herbs can give you a little mood boost, naturally.
Did you know?
All of our synergistic herbal supplements are prepared using the principle of samyoga, the ancient science of combining herbs. Each formula is a precise combination of herbs carefully selected to strengthen the formula in different important ways. We use whole plant parts, not just isolated components, to promote maximum effectiveness.
Not quite sure what stress support you need most? There is one Ayurvedic herb that’s beneficial for everyone! Ashwagandha is celebrated in Ayurveda as an adaptogen, a botanical that helps your body naturally adapt to stress.
Suggested foods THAT WILL HELP WITH STRESS
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, which can help you sleep better at night. Try sprinkling some into your salads and sautés.
Whole Milk
Rich in tryptophan and calcium, whole milk helps to regulate natural melatonin, which helps you sleep.
Almonds
Not only do almonds deliver a great shot of protein, almonds contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and other nutrients that support a healthy brain and sleep.
Foods and Stress: What to Avoid
Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee, black tea, and other caffeinated beverages are okay for some people, but they’re best avoided if you’re feeling wound up and having trouble sleeping.
Junk Food
Sugary sweets and overly salted, fried, or processed foods deplete your energy. Instead, reach for healthy, whole-foods snacks and foods that fuel your mind and body.
STRESS-BUSTING RECIPES
Guest recipe by Guest recipe by Laurina Carroll
Avocado on Bread
Use homemade gluten-free bread, or store-bought bread or crackers.
When I travel, I always have avocados in the car, or I carry them on the plane when I fly. I bring a spoon, some salt, and a lemon. Simple Mills makes great gluten-free almond crackers that I love when I don’t have time to bake bread. You can add pesto, sauerkraut, or a pickle.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, add sugarless organic jam and tahini or sunflower seed butter with avocado on bread. It’s so delicious and nutritious.
—Laurina Carroll is a Transcendental Meditation teacher, Ayurveda Wellness Consultant, Speaker/Educator, and the author ofPerfect Health for Busy People.
Walnut Burgers
Key Ingredients
3 cups filtered water
1 cup rice
½ cup quinoa
¼ cup oats
½ cup organic walnuts, hand crushed into small pieces
1 large organic leek, chopped medium or ½ a large onion
Emotional Balance Spice Mix
Key Ingredients
1 part ground black pepper
1 part ground dried ginger
2 parts ground coriander
3 parts ground cumin
2 parts ground turmeric
1 part crushed black cumin (women only)
Ashwagandha Ghee & Sweet Spice Latte
Key Ingredients
1 cup homemade cashew milk (or unsweetened store-bought alternative)
1 teaspoon Pure Indian Ashwagandha Ghee
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 ½ teaspoons raw organic honey, or to taste
Optional: more cinnamon as garnish
Slumbertime Tea Tonic
Mindful Eating When Stressed
Word to the wise: try not to wolf your food down on-the-go when you’re feeling stressed! Eating quickly, or while standing or walking, can disrupt your digestion.
Whenever possible, take a mindful approach to eating. Sit comfortably and quietly in a settled environment, free from distractions (like books, TV, and electronic devices), and turn your attention to your meal. It’s fine to enjoy some light conversation while you eat but try to avoid stressful topics. Your stomach will thank you!
