Living joyfully often means taking care of our bodies, especially during stressful times. It’s crucial to learn how to calm and regulate our nervous system because unmanaged stress can lead to health issues. When we’re stressed, our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) kicks in, which should only happen temporarily. We should encounter a stressor, activate this response, and allow stress hormones to fade when the stressor is gone. However, many of us experience ongoing stress, keeping our SNS constantly on high alert.
Chronic stress can inhibit vital bodily functions like digestion, growth, reproduction, and immune function. If this continues, it may lead to health issues, as stress can contribute to tumor growth and weaken our natural defense system, making us prone to infections or illness. Therefore, it’s vital to strengthen our resilience and support our body’s natural ability to manage stress. By taking charge of our health and stress management, we can prevent illnesses like chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hair loss, insomnia, heart disease, and eczema.
I prefer handling stress management through diet and lifestyle changes. There are various daily practices I incorporate that have proven to lower cortisol and reduce stress. If you’re familiar with my approach, you’ll know I’m a big fan of deep breathing exercises, particularly the 4-7-8 method. Taking slow, deep breaths activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body unwind. Other lifestyle practices I love for stress management include:
I understand it can be challenging to fit these activities into a busy schedule, but even adding one or two can significantly improve your ability to handle stress. To prevent chronic health issues and burnout, we must take time to calm and nourish our nervous system. Nutrition plays a key role here, and that’s where herbs come in!
Two wonderful types of herbs can help support a calm and balanced nervous system: adaptogens and nervine tonics. These herbs help reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing resilience, so you feel calmer and stronger. Let’s explore these herbs further:
**Adaptogens**
Adaptogens are natural substances that are safe and non-addictive over time. They generally help the body adapt to stress and normalize other bodily functions, often affecting the endocrine system, particularly the adrenal glands. While they might not offer immediate relief from stress, they provide long-term support by nourishing our adrenal glands. Adding adaptogens to your routine can enhance resilience over time. For best results, try using them as a gentle daily tonic combined with nervine herbs in a relaxing cup of tea.
**Nervines**
Nervine tonics are herbs that nurture and balance the nervous system. They typically contain nutrients that help restore an overworked nervous system. Unlike adaptogens, which can affect hormones, nervines primarily support nervous system health. Many nervine tonics work quickly, offering relief from stress or anxiety. My favorite way to include them in my routine is by sipping a comforting cup of tea.
**Some Favorite Herbal Helpers for Stress Relief**
**Passionflower**
This calming nervine tonic has been shown to boost GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, making it easier for the nervous system to relax and potentially reducing anxiety. Passionflower has gentler sedative effects, making it suitable for use at any time of day and a perfect addition to your bedtime routine.
**Skullcap**
Though considered a weed, skullcap is a valuable nervine that increases GABA production, helping you relax and ease anxiety. It may also relieve muscle tension, a common stress symptom, and support overall nervous system wellness.
**Lemon Balm**
This bright herb, part of the mint family, is traditionally used to reduce anxiety and boost mood. It may improve cognitive function, ease stress symptoms, and aid sleep. Lemon balm has powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to rosmarinic acid.
**Holy Basil (Tulsi)**
Holy Basil, known as tulsi, is an adaptogenic tonic celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine. Research supports its ability to manage anxiety, enhance brain function, and act as a potent antioxidant. It can also help balance blood sugar, avoiding stress hormone release.
**Chamomile**
A classic nervine, chamomile supports the nervous system, aiding stress management. It has a long history of promoting calmness and sleep. Its antioxidant, apigenin, binds to brain receptors that encourage relaxation and reduce insomnia. Chamomile also soothes digestion and relaxes muscles.
**Lavender**
Lavender, known for its aroma, is a powerful nervine used for sleep disorders. Lavender tea can relieve nausea, anxiety, pain, and migraines, promoting relaxation.
To incorporate these helpful herbs into your life, try my Hello Joyous TLC tea, loaded with herbs like lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower to calm your nervous system. For stronger adaptogenic support, Rise & Shine tea contains Holy Basil and stress-supporting spices like turmeric, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.
As for locating these herbs in East Texas, you might visit local herbal shops or natural food stores. A search online could also provide some resources or nearby locations where these herbs are available.
