Stress Management:

5 Ayurvedic Remedies for Entrepreneurs

by Crunch Ranjani

In our modern, fast-paced, and hectic world, many of us encounter stress in our daily lives. To manage this stress, we may try meditation, yoga, vigorous exercise, or other methods. Ayurveda can also be helpful in stress management. 

Often described as the sister science of yoga, Ayurveda is an intricate system of medicine that dates back thousands of years. It is deeply influenced by the five elements of air, ether, water, earth, and fire. In Ayurveda, one can often find relief for chronic and acute conditions through a holistic healing approach. It takes into account diet, nutrition, herbs, yoga, meditation, and much more. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes understanding individual constitutions (“doshas”) and addressing imbalances in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Much more than just a diet, Ayurveda is a way of life.

While there is no one-size-fits-all Ayurvedic medicine for stress, Ayurveda teaches us that Vata dosha is most closely associated with the nervous system. As such, we can often find some relief simply by managing Vata dosha. In this article, we are exploring five simple home remedies from Ayurveda for stress management.

#1: Practice Restorative Yoga

The first thing that can be helpful for Vata management is restorative yoga. Any yoga pose where you can comfortably rest for a few minutes and allow your body and nervous system to relax is a wonderful place to start. In restorative yoga, it is often common to incorporate props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks for added support and to create a feeling of comfort and safety. Staying in these supported asanas for a longer time allows you to focus on your breath and encourages the release of tension in the mind and body.

A classic restorative yoga pose that can be easily done at home is child’s pose with a bolster. Reclining bound angle with a bolster or blankets to support the body is another relaxing posture that promotes Vata management and calms the nervous system. Lying in savasana for a few minutes a day can also be a powerful tool. Try putting some support under your head and knees for additional comfort and ease. A simple technique that effectively promotes digestion and resets your nervous system is left side-lying (lying down on your left side for a few minutes after a meal). Incorporating these techniques into your routine is a simple yet effective Ayurvedic treatment for stress.

#2: Consume Warm, Nourishing Foods

Stress management in Ayurveda is closely associated with consuming food according to your constitution and eating a nourishing,  balanced diet. Paying attention to what we eat can help us manage Vata and soothe the nervous system. As a general rule of thumb, it can be highly beneficial to eat warm, nourishing foods if your Vata dosha is out of balance and you are feeling stressed.

Vata dosha is primarily composed of air and ether. As such, it is important to incorporate protein and earthy elements into the diet to ground and balance it. Ghee and sesame oil are key elements to keep Vata dosha happy, so simply cooking more with ghee and sesame oil can be helpful to deal with stress. Vata also benefits from more warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne are considered digestive spices in Ayurveda, and they can contribute to balancing Vata dosha as well.

Some Vata-friendly foods include oatmeal or rice pudding with fresh fruits like blueberries. Coupled with nuts for some extra protein, this can make an excellent breakfast to start the day. Stewed apples with ghee and ginger or baked sweet potatoes with ghee and cinnamon are also examples of warm, nourishing foods. These are easy to prepare in a large batch ahead of time and eat throughout the week. Hearty soups or meals that are high in protein and vegetables are also great to stabilize Vata dosha.

#3: Drink Herbal Teas & Milks

Decaffeinated herbal chai such as tulsi chai is an excellent option to reduce stress. For a simple but effective remedy, try some lemon ginger tea with honey or even some warm lemon water first thing in the morning. Warm turmeric milk prepared with cow or oat milk with cinnamon or black pepper and honey is also particularly beneficial for Vata. 

In the realm of Ayurvedic herbs for stress relief, Ashwagandha and Shatavari are both rasayana herbs that are considered nourishing to all tissues in the body. Preparing milk infused with one or both of these herbs can do wonders for relieving stress, but these are powerful herbs so do consult an Ayurvedic professional before consuming them if you have any preexisting conditions.

If you are looking for an alternative to coffee but still need to get your caffeine in, Sumaya’s favorite is a tea made of equal parts yerba mate, tulsi, and gotu kola. Yerba mate is a naturally caffeinated tea, while tulsi is an adaptogen that helps us cope with stress and gotu kola helps with focus. Taken in combination, these three ingredients make a nourishing tea that’s great for the nervous system and an excellent way to start your day.

#4: Perform Self-Massage

Known in Ayurveda as abhyanga (massage with oils), this is a calming practice that can be performed on yourself. Simply warm up a small amount of oil and take it into the shower with you. Before you start your shower, massage your entire body with the oil. Complete the ritual by taking a long, hot shower. This is an excellent remedy if you are having trouble sleeping as it encourages relaxation and soothes the nervous system, allowing you to sleep more soundly at night. If you don’t have time for the whole ritual, it can also be beneficial to rub a few drops of oil on the top of your head, around the crown, and on your feet.

The oils you use can depend on the dosha you are needing to balance. Sesame oil is best for Vata and Kapha, while olive or coconut oil is recommended for Pitta. For stress relief, sesame oil is a good choice to nourish the whole body as well as promote better sleep.

#5: Enjoy Your Life

It may sound simple, but one of the key things to combat stress is to incorporate enjoyment into your life. It is easy to fall into the trap of constantly working and pushing yourself to achieve your goals without taking the time to slow down and enjoy the experience of being alive. However, this can quickly lead to burnout and exhaustion and is unsustainable in the long run.

Instead, ask yourself what brings you joy, contentment, and relaxation, and try to engage in those activities regularly. This can look different for different people. It may be performing Seva (service) by volunteering or contributing to nonprofits, being outdoors, or traveling. Perhaps, it is spending time with loved ones or picking up a new hobby or craft. Follow your dreams and passions and dedicate time to achieving your goals beyond simply your work as an entrepreneur. By adopting this holistic approach to life, you will be better able to manage stress.

If you are interested in learning more about holistic stress management, you are warmly invited to join us in The Lounge. A digital wellness community for changemakers across the globe, The Lounge is where you can learn more about creating work-life balance as an entrepreneur through classes, workshops, and coaching sessions. The doors are now open.

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