Friday 1 April 2016

Beating Exam Stress!

This is dedicated to all my students taking exams this summer!

It’s nearly Exam Time and the next couple of months are a busy, stressful and sometimes overwhelming time for students. With children as young as 15 complaining of headaches, insomnia, nausea and anxiety, it can be equally worrying for parents trying to help their children to manage such uncharted waters.
Students StudyingOver the years, I have been using gentle and supportive herbal remedies to help young people manage stress. These include simple herbal teas like Chamomile, Lime flowers and Rose petals, which gently support the nervous system and ease anxiety. I like to combine these with Rosemary, Shakespeare's herb of remembrance, and Mint which refreshes and helps to keep those sleepy mid study moments at bay.
Here are some top remedies to help you get the most out of your study sessions and to help ease those moments of anxiety:
Study Blend herbal tea
A delicious blend of herbs, including lemon balm, rosemary and liquorice, to keep the brain sharp and focused throughout long hours of study.
Study Blend Essential Oil
Our Study Blend is a range of essential oils including invigorating Peppermint and Rosemary, to aid concentration. It also includes Basil, which is excellent for memory and mental fatigue. Sniffing rosemary essential oil can also boost memory as studies have show. Read more on it here: http://roberttisserand.com/2013/04/new-rosemary-memory-research/
 Skullcap, Oat & Passionflower
A blend of herbs to help sooth the nerves at this critical time. A Nerve Debility Tonic can deal with stress and anxiety. Containing over 20 different herbs, it contains Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound but is just as effective.

Vitamins and supplements for Studying and Stress management

Fish oil is great for brain function –  good brands are   Read my previous post on the benefits of fish oil here: http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-fats-of-life.html and http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/krill-vs-green-lipped-mussel.html
Vitamin B Complex - is effective in dealing with stress, anxiety and tiredness so aim for a daily supplement of B-complex which contains between 50 and 100mg. Good brands are Solgar, Viridian and Nature's Aid.
Bach Rescue Remedy drops – a favourite flower remedy for getting through stressful times.
L-Theanine – Theanine may reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition and boost mood and cognitive performance. We also stock L-Theanine and Lemon Balm - lemon balm has been found to reduce stress.
YOUR EXAM TIME FIRST AID KIT!
Keep your immune system well supported! Echinacea supports and promotes immunity – if you support your immune system then you will be much better able to deal with stress.
Elderberry and Honey spray (with Echinacea)
As well as the well known positive effects of Echinacea, Thyme has anti microbial and anti bacterial actions, Garlic has been used for centuries to manage infection and Sage supports the immune system.
Botanical Candles
Scented with either Lavender or Rose pure essential oils, these candles create a wonderful calming scent as they burn. The perfect antidote to study fatigue. 
Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil can be diffused into a room by placing four drops on an aroma stream fan diffuser or an oil burner and preparing the room for study. Rosemary is also an uplifting herb so will keep the mind alert as well.

Vitamin C
A great immune system booster which will help to keep you fighting fit in the run up to exams. It increases the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which fight infection, and helps prevent the entry of viruses. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as lowering blood pressure.
Lavender Essential Oil
Used in a burner, Lavender’s calming scent can help in reducing anxiety and enabling relaxation.

Reference: http://clinic.deeatkinson.net/dees-blog accessed 1 April 2016