5 Natural Ways to Combat Irritability

by UMA Editors on Nov 22, 2020

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Modern life ("Covid" life, in particular) is packed to capacity with busy days and busy nights – leaving us precious little time to relax and de-stress. If you find your days getting more stressful, and your mood suffering as a result, it may be time to recalibrate with these easy ways to combat irritability.

Meditation

Over the past few years, meditation and mindfulness classes have been popping up all over the place – and we can certainly see why. Meditation comes in many forms, but all are intended to promote stress relief, mental strength, and an internal sense of peace. The great thing about meditation is that you can practice it for anywhere from five minutes to five hours, depending on your needs and how much free time you have on your hands.

Tailoring your meditation to your dosha can help you get the most out of your practice. Don't know your dosha? Try our Dosha Quiz as a starting point

And of course, there’s even an app for that! Guided meditation apps like Headspace provide a quick, accessible way to meditate that only requires a commitment of ten minutes a day.

Aromatherapy

Using botanical and herbal extracts for their therapeutic effects can be a great way to enhance your mood and relax your body. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and jasmine, have been used in aromatherapy for centuries to boost positive mental energy, calm muscles, and alleviate tense nerves. These calming oils can reduce stress by slowing your heart rate and breathing levels, allowing you to relax physically as you center yourself mentally.

Healthy Diet

Like many of us, you probably eat lunch at your desk a few times a week, frequently grab last minute take out, or resort to quick microwave meals when you get home from work late. Well, it’s time to stop! Foods that are high in fat and sugar will make you feel lethargic, so instead, replace these meals with healthy options that incorporate fresh, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Asparagus is a stand out vegetable when it comes to aiding stress relief, as it's packed with folic acid, which has been shown to decrease depression levels.

Exercise

Low on the time or energy you need to make it to spin class? Rethink your definition of physical activity, as evidence shows that the more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have day to day. Even something as simple as a lunchtime jog around the block will help you shake off the stress of the day and will boost your adrenaline levels. Team sports - if that is an option to practice safely in these times of social distancing - are also a great option for staying motivated and developing a stronger sense of community! Also - you may want to try to tailor your yoga practice by your dosha.

Sleep

If you are irritable throughout the day and prone to mood swings, you may simply need more sleep. On average, an adult needs approximately 7-9 hours sleep, but the vast majority of us fall short on this front. If you struggle to fall sleep, turn off your TV and tablet and take part in calming activities like light reading, a warm bath, or a gentle massage. Whatever you do, make sure to turn off your technology at least an hour before you’re planning to go to bed, in order to help your brain wind down and prevent overstimulation.

We cover Ayurvedic remedies for better sleep in an article here and sleep tips by your dosha in an article here.

If restful sleep is still evading you, try Uma’s Pure Rest herbal wellness blend – it’s a powerful alternative to chemical sleeping aids when used topically via Uma’s trademarked application regimen.

Learn more about our wellness oils and how they promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing here!

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