With the fast-paced nature of today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of being busy. Wake up, rush out the door, eat on the way to work, work for eight hours, run errands, make dinner, and a million things in between. Does this sound like you? Regardless of how your daily routine plays out, stress is unavoidable.
The good news? There are easy ways to help adapt to stress. Finding balance can be as easy as taking a moment for self-care. While self-care looks different for everyone, simple practices that combine yoga and herbs can work symbiotically to help reduce stress and increase well-being.*
Couple your daily herbal routine with mindful self-care practices like yoga for ultimate well-being.
Whether you're new to yoga or have a steady practice, stress still has a way of inviting itself in. The combination of yoga and herbs can make an impact on reducing stress and calming nerves.*
A blend of physical movement, intentional breathing, lifestyle choices, and more yoga is the ultimate mind-body practice. Research has shown that regularly making time for yoga can reduce stress, improve memory and cognitive skills, and support sleep quality.
Stress can often get stuck in the body and show up as tension in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and hips. Because stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, it keeps us in flight/fight/freeze mode. The rest-and-digest system (the parasympathetic nervous system) kicks in when the breath is slow and steady. Not only can a yoga practice calm the nervous system, it can help you bring awareness back to your body, emotions, and feelings.
Herbs can act in the same way.
3 Calming Herbs for Stress Relief and How to Incorporate Them Into Your Routine
Lemon Balm for Stress
Lemon Balm has been traditionally consumed for its calming properties on nerves, making it a suitable herb for anyone at any age, who is experiencing mild to moderate stress.* Studies have shown that Lemon Balm is effective due to its ability to help support the parasympathetic nervous system, which means it will not only help calm frayed nerves but also have a soothing impact on the digestive system.* Lemon Balm is also well-recognized as an uplifting herb that sweetens the spirit and will help promote a positive daily outlook.*
Suggested uses: Sip a cup of fresh Lemon Balm tea throughout the day to alleviate stress. A few drops of our certified organic Lemon Balm is a delicious addition to any teacup and helps to alleviate stress. An hour before bed, make a cup of Sleep & Relax to promote relaxing and restorative sleep.
Mindful moment: Tea is much more than a drink, it's a multi-sensory experience to cherish. Before your first sip of tea, take a few moments to sit quietly as your teacup warms your hands. Let this be a time to slow down, pause, and observe your surroundings with mindful intention. Close your eyes and inhale Lemon Balm's fragrance. Notice how it smells. Notice how it feels to be present with what's directly in front of you. Be compassionate with whatever comes up. Know that it's okay to relax in stillness for a moment of zen.
Yoga practice: Child's pose (Balasana). After drinking your tea, practice Child's pose. This resting pose gently relaxes the muscles at the front of the body while passively stretching the back, hips, thighs, and ankles. Gently placing the forehead on the ground signals the parasympathetic nervous system that it's time to relax. Child's pose can have a calming and soothing effect on the brain.
Holy Basil for Stress
Used for centuries to promote a healthy stress response, Holy Basil nourishes the mind and elevates the spirit.* As a rejuvenating adaptogenic herb, Holy Basil helps restore vitality and promotes a long life.*
Suggested uses: Take Stress Response® capsules two times daily after meals or you can also add drops of certified organic Holy Basil Leaf to your water or a cup of tea.
Mindful moment: After taking Holy Basil, go for a walk, preferably in nature but anywhere will do. Before you begin walking, notice the sensation of your feet on the ground. Bring your awareness to all of the subtle sensations taking place within your body. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and take time to pause and observe your surroundings.
Yoga practice: Ujjayi breath (Ocean breath). This grounding breathwork practice promotes focus and helps calm the body. Ujjayi breathing is also known as the ocean breath because you make an ocean sound by contracting the glottis, the connection between the larynx and vocal cords, through deep inhales and exhales. As you walk, practice Ujjayi breath. Keeping your mouth closed, direct the breath to the back of your throat. On the inhalation, gently constrict your throat. Activate an ocean sound in the back of your throat as you exhale.
Passionflower for Stress
An effective but gentle herb, Passionflower supports relaxation and a deep sense of calm.* Passionflower has been known to support a balanced mood and promote restful sleep.*
Suggested uses: Take Emotional Balance™ three times daily. Designed to support mental and emotional well-being, this new herbal product combines herbal extracts that have been traditionally used to help the body cope with daily stress, nourish the nervous system, calm the mind, and support a balanced mood.*
Mindful moment: Before bed, write down three things that you're grateful for. It could be anything from waking up to the weather to time alone. Instead of going through the motions, take the time to think about what brought you to this moment. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude has been shown to increase sleep and happiness, and reduce stress.
Yoga practice: Legs-up-the-wall (Viparita Karani). After journaling, practice this yoga pose. You can even practice it in bed. Sit on your bed and bring your right side flush with the wall. Swing your legs up the wall. Stay in this pose anywhere from 5-20 minutes. When the legs are higher than the heart, the blood and lymphatic fluid can circulate, which can help move stagnant energy, calm the mind, and lead to more restful sleep.
Be Gentle With Yourself
Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you incorporate these calming herbs and self-care practices into your daily life. Remember that it's always okay to take your time and go slowly. Doing so will help you reduce your daily stress over time.