7 Natural Ways To Destress This Winter

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, unfortunately. Some people need therapy or medication to manage anxiety and stress. Others prefer to go the natural route. You should look at your life to see where you can cut back on stress and how you can de-stress. We won't be focusing on reducing stress in your life, but rather on managing stress. Here are seven natural and easy ways to de-stress right now.

Take regular breaks

It might seem counterproductive to take breaks. Wouldn't it be more productive to work hard until the task is completed? The short answer is no. Regular breaks are a great way to unwind and allow your body and mind to heal.

Exercise

Although it isn't everyone's favorite word exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit. Exercise is good for us. It keeps us healthy and releases endorphins, which reduce stress and make us happy. It doesn't take much to exercise. A brisk walk or bike ride, or even a swim, can suffice.

Vaping

Vaping is controversial and not recommended for everyone. Vaping is a popular method of stress relief and can be used to help quit smoking, which can be very stressful. To find out more about vaping products and shops close to you, you can Google “Online Vape Shop UK” for information.

Start Journalling

You can write down your emotions to help you get your thoughts straight and help you work through difficult feelings. A journal is your best friend if you are looking for an outlet. No judgment, no glazed, no “I'm too busy”. Your journal is always there for you.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a method of connecting with the present moment. Mindfulness involves activating our senses and taking in all that we can see, hear and smell. Mindfulness is about slowing down and enjoying each bite of food and every sip of water. Mindfulness can be combined with meditation or breathing exercises to slow down the mind. Mindfulness has been proven to be a great way to reduce stress.

Reframe and Refocus

Stress can cause us to lose our ability to think clearly. It's a great way to de-stress. Take the time to reflect on your current feelings. You can reframe your situation and identify the root cause of your problems. Then, you can refocus your attention on the end goal. You will need to ask yourself difficult and serious questions.

Music

Music is an excellent way to relax. Music has powerful, uplifting, soothing properties that almost everyone likes. Music can make us feel as good as nothing else.

Whatever way you choose, don't forget to monitor your anxiety and mental health. You should take time for yourself and, if possible, eliminate stressors from your life.

Alternative Medicine Magazine published 7 Natural Ways to Destress this Winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alternative Medicine?

It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.

Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.

What's the difference between holistic medicine versus alternative medicine?

Holistic medicine addresses the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. It looks at all aspects of an individual's health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based

While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It can save you both time and money.

Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healing. It focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms. It aids in the recovery of illness by promoting good health and preventing future ones.

Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.

Integrative medicine, also known as Holistic Medicine, integrates all aspects a patient's mental, physical, and emotional needs into one comprehensive treatment plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early detection of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.

Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.

Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.

Holistic physicians work closely with their patients to determine what will best meet their individual needs.

What does holistic mean?

Holistic is a holistic approach. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. This isn't always possible because we tend not to see things as a whole.

Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. But actually, there is an infinite variety of shades of grey.

When working on a project, you should try to view it from multiple angles. Consider it from every side.

Take the time to look at it as a whole. How does each of its components interact with one another?

Ask yourself why you are having trouble with a particular element. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.

Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.

When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.

In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.

Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It's easier to manage side effect. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.

There are also other reasons.

Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.

Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.

Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.

Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.

What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?

People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines and mind-body therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, homeopathy (traditional Chinese medicine), chiropractic care, biofeedback and hypnosis. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine's treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.

Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.

Although there is no clear definition of CAM, many definitions include at most one of the following:

A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
Combination of Eastern philosophy and Western science
Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
Touch of healing
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.

Statistics

These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the 4 types of complementary or alternative medicine?

There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. Praying and visualization are two of the methods used to heal energy.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM treatments help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.

There are many good reasons to use CAM.

To improve their overall wellbeing.
To manage a special condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a person's belief system.

Some people prefer CAM over conventional medicine because they feel it provides more control over the health of their bodies. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others choose CAM to avoid taking prescription medications. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don't. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is treated by chiropractors or massage therapists.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients' expectations and needs.

In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”

CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM therapies are rooted in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. They have been around for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

Today, it's estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Another popular CAM therapy is yoga. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga is gaining popularity because of its many benefits, including spiritual, mental and physical.

Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Yoga has been shown to improve sleep33, even though there is not much scientific evidence. It may also be beneficial for insomnia sufferers.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

Herbal medicine is one of the most popular types of CAM.

Herbal medicines include herbs, spices and flowers, seeds, fruits and mushrooms, bark, leaves roots, stems, and bark.

These drugs are frequently considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs and are popularly used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.

The National Institutes of Health has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8 percent of those individuals had discussed this with their doctors.

This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: 7 Natural Ways To Destress This Winter
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/stress/7-natural-ways-to-destress-this-winter/
Published Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:16:08 +0000