To wrap up the conversation about stress, I am sharing the last bit of information that I received from the PTSD course I attended at LHSC here in London. As with the other information (causes, symptoms etc) that has been previously shared, I take no credit for it's content and am passing it directly as written in the handout book I received.
If you have any questions about what you read here, please speak with your doctor or health care professional.
Strategies and Techniques to Reduce Stress
Vitamins/Mineral Supplements, Herbal and Natural Remedies
Some people who experience chronic stress seek vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal or natural rememdies. Adding vitamin and mineral supplements can help the body better cope with the effects of stress. It should be strongly noted, however, that just as with standard drugs, so-called natural remedies can cause problems, sometimes serious ones, so should be taken after consulting with a doctor or qualified pharmacist to ensure it is safe for your situation.
If you have any questions about what you read here, please speak with your doctor or health care professional.
Strategies and Techniques to Reduce Stress
Vitamins/Mineral Supplements, Herbal and Natural Remedies
Some people who experience chronic stress seek vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal or natural rememdies. Adding vitamin and mineral supplements can help the body better cope with the effects of stress. It should be strongly noted, however, that just as with standard drugs, so-called natural remedies can cause problems, sometimes serious ones, so should be taken after consulting with a doctor or qualified pharmacist to ensure it is safe for your situation.
Aromatherapy:
The smell of lavender has been long associated with a calming effect. In addition, several other aroma-therapies are now used for relaxation. Try using a perfume and/or cologne on a handkerchief or Kleenex to help ground yourself when you find yourself in a stressful situation.
Do Body work:
Chiropractor: seeing a chiropractor can be helpful in ensuring your body is aligned.
Acupuncture: some evidence suggests that acupuncture may also be helpful. It might even improve some physical factors associated with stress and health problems
Massage Therapy: a review of data from multiple studies shows that massage therapy decreases cortisol levels. Several massage therapies are available.
Biofeedback: biofeedback is a technique that measures bodily functions, like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and muscle tension. By watching these measurements, you can learn how to alter these functions by relaxing or holding pleasant images in your mind.
Relaxation Techniques: relaxation techniques lowers blood pressure, respiration, and pulse rates, releases muscle tension, and eases emotional strains. The response is highly individualized, but there are certain approaches that seem to work.
Meditation Techniques: the goal of all meditative procedures, both religious and therapeutic, is to quiet the mind, essentially to relax thoughts. Small studies have suggested that regular meditation can benefit the heart and help reduce blood pressure.
The smell of lavender has been long associated with a calming effect. In addition, several other aroma-therapies are now used for relaxation. Try using a perfume and/or cologne on a handkerchief or Kleenex to help ground yourself when you find yourself in a stressful situation.
Do Body work:
Chiropractor: seeing a chiropractor can be helpful in ensuring your body is aligned.
Acupuncture: some evidence suggests that acupuncture may also be helpful. It might even improve some physical factors associated with stress and health problems
Massage Therapy: a review of data from multiple studies shows that massage therapy decreases cortisol levels. Several massage therapies are available.
- Swedish massage is the standard massage technique - it uses long smooth strokes and kneading and tapping of muscles
- Shiatsu applies intense pressure to the same points targeted in acupuncture. It can be painful, but people report deep relaxation afterwards
- Reflexology manipulates acupuncture points in the hands and fee
Biofeedback: biofeedback is a technique that measures bodily functions, like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and muscle tension. By watching these measurements, you can learn how to alter these functions by relaxing or holding pleasant images in your mind.
Relaxation Techniques: relaxation techniques lowers blood pressure, respiration, and pulse rates, releases muscle tension, and eases emotional strains. The response is highly individualized, but there are certain approaches that seem to work.
Meditation Techniques: the goal of all meditative procedures, both religious and therapeutic, is to quiet the mind, essentially to relax thoughts. Small studies have suggested that regular meditation can benefit the heart and help reduce blood pressure.
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