STRESS

Since stress diminishes the immunity (ojas) of the body, healthy diet and lifestyle are required to counter act the depletion of nutrients. Few tips are given below -

• Reduce rajasic and tamasic food from the diet and increase the intake of sattvic food items.
• Minimize the intake of high protein animal foods as this increases the level of dopamine which is associated with higher levels of stress.
• Avoid excess intake of tea or coffee.
• Avoid frozen, preserved or leftover foods as it is tamasic in nature.
• Whole grain cereals like wheat should be consumed as it promotes the production of brain neurotransmitter serotonin.
• Prefer vegetables like carrots, cucumber as they produce cooling effect.
• Consume amla (Indian gooseberry) or giloy as they are very good immunity enhancing herbs.
• Consume cow-milk and cow-ghee as it is very good.
• Consume fruits like coconut, coconut water, pine apple, banana, oranges, pomegranate and anjeer.
• Various medhya (boosting memory) herbs like jyotishmati, shankhpuspi, vacha and mandook parni mentioned in ancient texts should be consumed.
• Aswagandha is very good herb for stress. Its powder can be used daily with milk to boost the body to fight stress.
• Go for full body massage as it really relieves the physical stress.
• Morning walk should be done daily.
• Apply sheetal lepa (cold coating) of sandalwood powder over the head just to cool the temperament. 
• Follow the achaar rasayana (proper code of conduct) as it will prevent the unnecessary worries.
• One can opt for shirodhara as it will definitely calm down the mind.
• Follow yogic asanas (shavasana), pranayama or meditation as it relaxes the mind.