When you’re stressed, it can seem like the whole world is falling on top of you. However, stress is something you can’t avoid in life. Even the happiest people you know feel stressed sometimes, and honestly, that’s okay. Stress is normal. You can’t run away from it, but you can run away from the unhealthy ways you may deal with it.
There are therapeutic methods that reduce stress levels and help you experience relaxation after a long day. In fact, there are natural solutions you can use to mentally, emotionally, and physically unwind. And one of them is herbs for relaxation.
These plant-based remedies are great ways to naturally calm your mind. They can help alleviate symptoms of stress so that you operate at your best, even when things aren’t okay.
However, if you’ve never heard of herbs for relaxation, don’t worry. This article will provide a list of ones to get. But before you read that list, you should start by understanding the problem you’re trying to manage.
Everyone deals with stress
There’s an important thing to keep in mind when it comes to stress: you’re not alone. No one is immune from experiencing it, and research proves many people are dealing with the same issue as you.
According to the American Institute of Stress, around 33 percent of people feel extreme stress. Seventy-seven percent of people have stress that negatively influences their physical health, while 73 percent of individuals encounter stress that affects their mental health.
People who experience higher rates of stress include women, single parents, ethnic minorities, and those who are responsible for their family’s health decisions. On the other hand, research indicates that the lowest stress levels are in adults who are older than 72.
Common causes of stress
Stress doesn’t just pop up. There are reasons why you may feel worried or anxious and have trouble relaxing. For instance, here are common causes of stress:
1. Financial trouble
The American Psychological Association suggests that money is the top reason for high stress levels in the U.S. The organization found that most of the people they surveyed reported money as a significant source of tension, with 77 percent feeling considerably anxious and worried.
2. Work
Jobs are frequently a significant cause of stress. The CDC indicates that the amount of time people spend at work has increased by 8 percent compared to 20 years ago. Additionally, 13 percent of people have a second job, and 40 percent believe their jobs are really stressful. Also, around 26 percent of individuals feel burned out because of their work.
3. Relationships
Sometimes, people can be a major source of stress. It might be a family member, friend, partner, or co-worker that causes you to worry. Or, it may be toxic people who are negatively impacting your physical and mental health.
4. Parenting
Being a parent is not easy, and if you’re a mom or dad, you know this is true. When you’re a parent, you have to balance raising children with having a job and completing household duties. However, striking this balance is challenging, especially if you’re working long hours, experiencing tension in your relationships, or operating as a single mom or dad.
5. Busyness and day-to-day disruptions
Every day comes with inconveniences, whether they’re big or small. Losing your keys, forgetting to bring something, or running late to an event can cause significant stress and anxiety. If you’re also a busy person, your stress levels may jump through the roof as busyness rarely leaves time to slow down and relax.
Signs that you need to relax
When you start feeling overwhelmed, you may notice common symptoms of stress. According to the American Psychological Association, the main signs include the following:
- 45 percent of people feel angry or irritable
- 41 percent of people have lower energy levels or fatigue
- 38 percent of people become disinterested or lack motivation
- 36 percent of people feel worried, nervous, or anxious
- 36 percent of people get headaches
- 34 percent of people become depressed or sad
- 26 percent of people notice stomach issues
- 23 percent of people develop tension in their muscles
- 21 percent experience changes in their appetite
Ultimately, the symptoms of stress vary. And the side effects you notice might be completely different than someone else’s, so try not to compare. Everyone is different.
Unhealthy responses to stress
Of course, finding ways to deal with stress is essential. But the pattern for most people is to manage stress with unhealthy solutions.
For example, some unhealthy responses to stress include:
- Overeating
- Undereating
- Watching TV for hours
- Distancing yourself in personal relationships
- Sleeping too much
- Drinking alcohol too much
- Violent, physical outbursts
- Verbally lashing out at others
- Using illicit drugs
- Using over-the-counter medications or prescriptions to find relief
- Smoking or smoking more than normal
If you’ve done one or more of these things to manage stress, don’t be hard on yourself. At some point, everyone has handled stress poorly. But what matters most is getting better by finding healthy ways to achieve inner peace.
Use herbs for relaxation to help alleviate stress
Herbs for relaxation are an excellent way to relieve your stress and help you calm down. These natural remedies are great for daily use. And you can use them at any time of the day. If you’re interested in trying them, here are four herbs for relaxation that you should get.
1. Passionflower
Passionflower is a family of plants that contains about 550 different species. Studies indicate that P. incarnata, a specific species in this plant family, may help reduce nervousness and restlessness.
A 2010 review also suggests that this particular species acts similarly to benzodiazepines, a group of drugs that physicians give people to decrease symptoms of stress and encourage relaxation.
2. American Skullcap
Another herb for relaxation is the American skullcap. In a study that included 43 healthy participants, researchers found that people who received American skullcap daily experienced significant boosts in their mood compared to those who used a placebo.
Also, this herb may stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nerves. By interacting with this part of the body, the American skullcap can be a great mood booster.
3. Kava Kava
This herb for relaxation originates from islands in the Pacific Ocean. In these places, you’ll find people who use kava kava to help naturally reduce stress and unleash a sense of peace. In a 2013 placebo-controlled trial that analyzed 75 people, researchers also discovered that kava kava could help alleviate symptoms of stress.
4. Oat Straw
You’ll usually find oat straw in North America and Northern Europe. People have used this herb for relaxation to help alleviate stress. Research even indicates that this therapeutic herb inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) to help boost people’s moods.
Enjoy inner peace with herbs for relaxation
If you want to start using herbs for relaxation, you can try Kat’s Naturals’ herbal tincture called Calm. This natural remedy includes all the herbs for relaxation that you need to feel inner peace. Even better, this product is also 100% organic and vegan, allowing you to put the best things into your body. So start using Calm to enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of herbs for relaxation.
Get your bottle of Calm today to help manage your stress naturally and healthily.
