We’re going to shoot straight here; we are a completely stressed-out society. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people experience stress that affects their physical health, 73 percent of people state that stress affects their mental health, and 48 percent of people have trouble sleeping because of stress alone. So there is no doubt we are a nation of stressed-out individuals. 

As we all experience stress of some kind, it’s no surprise common causes of stress include money, health, work, safety, relationships, and more. People who tend to experience particularly high rates of stress are women, single parents, ethnic minorities, and people in charge of their family’s healthcare decisions.1 To make matters worse, we get stressed about our stress and the symptomatic reactions our bodies produce, like anger, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, irritability, and depression. The good news is it’s not a lost cause, and there are simple ways we can treat stress2: 

 Top 10 Ways to Combat Stress

1. Exercise: Anything from cardio to yoga, pilates, and walking.
2. Reduce caffeine: It can amplify stress symptoms
3. Spend time with loved ones that make you feel at ease.
4. Set boundaries: Remove unnecessary responsibilities and tasks from your plate.
5. Watch a comedy: Laughter really is the best medicine; it relieves the stress response and helps you relax.
6. Listen to relaxing, slower-paced music with instrumental melodies.
7. Write in a gratitude journal and state what you are grateful for.
8. Incorporate essential oils and calming smells into your home.
9. Practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques.
10. Add supplements to your wellness routine. Supplements are also another great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha, in particular, may provide powerful natural stress relief and a soothing anti-anxiety effect with adrenal and immune support.

What’s ashwagandha? 

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. The parts used in most ashwagandha supplements are the roots and the fruit. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of medicine that relies on a holistic approach to physical and mental health3. 

Is ashwagandha safe?

Ashwaghandha has proven to be a beneficial supplement to add to any stress relief routine. However, it is cautioned that pregnant women, users taking medications for diabetes, medicine for high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and sedatives should consult their doctor or refrain from taking any supplements that include ashwagandha5. 

Health benefits of ashwagandha

Studies have shown an ashwagandha supplement, like Checkable's Stress Less Ashwagandha supplements can be a great addition to your daily stress relief program. Trials with mice found that the herb had a similar effect as Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication. In a 2019 study, researchers found that those taking the supplement showed a statistically significant reduction in stress and morning cortisol compared to those taking the placebo.4 Additionally, ashwagandha has been suggested to possibly provide pain relief and act as an anti-inflammatory. 

Using simple ways to reduce stress, like exercise, breathing techniques, and recognizing what you are grateful for, can tremendously reduce stress in your daily life. By adding the additional boost of relief of ashwagandha to your anti-anxiety and overall wellness program, can amplify those benefits and have you ready to rest easily amid life’s stressors in no time. 

If you’re all in on ashwagandha and can’t wait to add it to your stress management routine today, click here to get started! 

1 https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/stress/related/stress-statistics/

2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety

3  https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth

4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/

5  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/953.html