If you live in the world right now, chances are you are stressed. It's not just social isolation, worries about climate change, politics or economic downturns that are keeping us up at night. Right now, most of us are dealing daily with information and technology overload, work pressures and unrealistic schedules. In a nutshell, we are trying to do it all, and it's taking its toll.
There are lots of things we can do to help combat daily stress. Simple things like meditation, breath work, taking breaks from technology and enjoying family or making time for friends can help.
We can also use adaptogens to help support our overall wellbeing. These special class of herbs can be taken safely over long periods of time and while all will help us better adapt in some way to stress, some are more specific than others.
Top Adaptogens for increasing resistance to stress:
1.) Ashwagandha
One of the ways this herb helps to reduce stress is by lowering the level of our stress hormone cortisol.
2.) Rhodiola rosea
This arctic plant enhances (non specifically) the resistance of the body to both physical and emotional stresses, while fighting fatigue and even depression.
3.) Schisandra chinensis
This beloved berry nurtures the adrenal functions to help prevent adrenal fatigue. It also reduces inflammation.
4. ) Siberian Ginseng
Ginseng helps regulate our immune response and hormonal changes that happen when we are stressed, maintaining balance in the body. It has also been shown to help with anxiety and depression and can prevent stress-associated diseases.
5.) Holy basil
This sacred herb lowers elevated cortisol and can regulate blood sugar. It also supports memory and cognitive function.
Stress is a part of most peoples modern lifestyles today. Using adaptogens regularly can help us increase our resilience to stress in a natural and effective way. Adaptogens are not a magic bullet to cure stress, but effective when used as an adjunct to support a healthier lifestyle.
