There is much controversy surrounding the effectiveness of  St John’s Wort as a depression and stress relief treatment.  While it has been found to be effective on its own, there are some drug interactions that could cause adverse effects to patients who also suffer from other disorders.   This herbal  is definitely effective but certainly needs to be taken only with the supervision of a physician.

Effective stress relief can be achieved though with regular use of  St John’s Wort.  While this is so, improvement in one’s general mental state can only be expected about three months after starting the herbal treatment.  Those who are looking for immediate stress relief should consult with their physicians right away.  Formulations of this herbal remedy vary in potency and could differ in their effects on a patient.  It would not be wise to make a decision on which brand of  St John’s Wort product to use merely based on cost.  You need to investigate the various brands and decide the best dosage and potency for your condition.

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Driving to work or anywhere for that matter during peak periods can be a very stressful experience.  We seem to get all the red lights or they aren’t working, banked up traffic and construction zones.  There is also the noise and pollution associated with driving in the city.  The kids can get bored and restless and you arrive at your destination stressed.

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A good way of relieving stress is to have a good cry.  You are not weak if you cry but naturally getting rid of feelings that might be damaging your health.

Society seems to dictate when we are allowed to cry such as funerals and weddings and women are judged less than men for crying.  Other cultures are more relaxed about crying, for instance, Italians have no such reservation about crying in public.

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Do you suffer from stress or know someone close who does?  Are you looking for gifts for Christmas? Its the end of the year and buying for people who you know who can do with a bit of relaxation is easy with 8 ideas below.

Massage – Dr. Scholl’s DR6624 Toe-Touch Foot Spa with Bubbles and Massage.  A foot bubble bath and massage in one.

A book about a hobby or interest such as The Big-Ass Book of Crafts. I’m sure there is something in there for everyone.

Aromatherapy idea – Aroma Home Aromatherapy Microwaveable Hot Booties – Hot Sox.  How wonderful to have warm feet this winter and have the lovely aroma of pure essential oils.  I can feel the stress melt away at the thought. This would be my pick – family and friends please note

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Stress can be a major factor in living an unhealthy life for women in particular.  Many women are finding it difficult due to feelings of pressure and stress in their everyday lives.  Stress relief for women can be very easy to achieve, especially when you know how.  Keeping your stress to a minimum is now one of the greatest tasks most women need to learn.

One good strategy is to learn to prioritize.  No one can do everything at once and you also have to have  some allotted time for leisure and relaxation as well as your work.  I am a person of lists so I follow my list and each day I feel I have achieved some things, if not all, and feel less stressed in the process.

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Ive never heard of Autogenic Therapy until recently and I’m sure most people haven’t.  Well what is it?

Autogenic Therapy (also called Autogenic Training) is a relaxation technique involving self suggestion which was developed by the German psychiatrist, Johannes Schultz and first published in 1932.  It is a powerful and proven deep relaxation technique similar to mediation, which enables you to relax your body and calm your mind quickly.  Autogenic therapy is one of the simplest and most effective ways to activate the ‘relaxation response’ which can break the vicious cycle of stress related disorders. Read the rest of this entry »

Some of the most popular stress relief herbs are:

Ashwagandha Root is said to make you calm even as it makes you strong. The antioxidant effect of active principles of this herb may explain, at least in part, its reported anti-stress properties.

valerian

Valerian Root contains chemicals with sedative properties to help with an improvement in sleep without morning grogginess or other side effects which leads to a greater overall sense of well being.

Kava Kava which is a member of the pepper family. Kava is consumed as a drink or supplement. In small doses, its effects include muscle relaxation, sleepiness and feelings of well being but is to be taken only in the short-term. Read the rest of this entry »