Two Holistic Therapies to Prevent Stress and Diseases

Stress is a common occurrence in everyone’s life. It comes and goes as financial, familial, or work-related problems occur. Unfortunately, some individuals experience more frequent or chronic stress, which can cause or contribute to other medical issues or diseases. Rather than turning to medication, it may be beneficial to consider holistic therapies for stress to reduce the symptoms.

Several therapy options are available for treating stress and related symptoms, though some are more effective than others. The two most popular options are yoga meditation and cognitive therapy. Though the treatments vary for these holistic methods, the results are quite positive. For more information on what these therapies have to offer, check out the following sections, but make sure to talk to your doctor first.

Positive minded elderly man listening to nurse during holistic therapies for stress.

Two Holistic Therapies for Stress

Holistic therapies allow you to reduce the symptoms of stress naturally, without requiring medical interference. Meditation with yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy are the best options for such treatments for several reasons.

  • Yoga and meditation

During times of stress, the hormone cortisol is released in your body. Though fine in small doses, it can negatively impact your health in higher or more frequent quantities. Meditation can counter this, reducing cortisol levels and preventing damage to your health.

Meditation has been used for centuries to calm the mind by focusing on breathing and the body instead. Though it can be used on its own, combining meditation with yoga improves the results. These extra benefits are why it is one of the best holistic therapies for stress.

Yoga stretches your muscles, increasing strength and flexibility simultaneously. It also helps balance hormones, normalizes nerve impulses, and regulates the nervous system, all of which reduce stress. When you add meditation by monitoring your breathing and body movements, your stress levels plummet even more. The results are a more positive outlook and a healthier body.

  • Cognitive or talk therapy

Another one of the top holistic therapies for stress is cognitive or talk therapy. Bottling up our emotions and feelings keeps stress levels high. Anxiety, depression, isolation, and other medical issues worsen with no outlet to release those burdens.

A trained cognitive therapist can help you work through your issues and discuss ways to deal with your stress. There are a few options available for treatment, including solo counseling or group therapy. Both offer a safe space to discuss your concerns and help you resolve the issues in ways you’re comfortable with.

Other Therapies

Though cognitive therapy and meditation with yoga are fantastic options, a few other holistic therapies for stress should be considered. One option is music therapy, which can include concerts and performances for individuals to enjoy. Joining group choirs is also part of music therapy for stress relief.

Exercise and physical activities programs help individuals stay fit and active but has other benefits as well. Exercise releases endorphins to elevate mood, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, and release tension.

Pet therapy is another fantastic option to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Getting out in nature has the same effect, reducing the heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Other holistic therapies for stress include aromatherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.