What is stress management?
The stress is known as sahasa in Ayurveda. Sahasa by causing ojahksaya (loss of immunity) increases the susceptibility of the body to various diseases. Stress is a state of mental and physical pressure resulting from an imbalance between specific demands and the individual’s ability and motivation to meet those demands. In a stressful event our body produces larger quantities of the chemicals cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, which trigger a higher heart rate, and sweating.
Causes of Stress
- Workplace stress
- Emotional stress
- Fear
- Lack of sleep
- Financial Burden
- Anxiety
- Weakened Immune System
- Hypertension
- Headaches
- Depression
- Heart Diseases
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Accelerated aging
Ayurveda’s Suggestion in stress management
- Stress is not a problem but how we react to the stressors causes the problem. An imbalance in 3 main mental functions: Dhi (learning), Dhriti (retention) and Smriti (long-term memory) along with a paucity of ‘Ojas’(energy) in the body; makes us unable to deal with stress.
- The Stress Management Program comprises of various relaxation techniques like Sunidra to relieve the body from stress piled up over the years, and raise the Ojas (energy) level of the body by bringing a proper hormonal balance and improving blood circulation. It is focuses on strengthening the mental vigor to be able to cope up with stress in any situation thereby enhancing sound sleep, stimulated nervous system and a healthier body.
Tips to manage stress
1) Listen to music
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation, try taking a break and listening to relaxing music. Playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, can lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
2) Eat right
Try to avoid sugary snacks and plan ahead. Fruits and vegetables are always good, and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress. A tuna sandwich really is brain food.
3) Drink tea
Instead of coffee or energy drinks, try green tea. It has less than half the caffeine of coffee and contains healthy antioxidants, as well as thiamine, an amino acid that has a calming effect on the nervous system.
4) Exercise
Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean power lifting at the gym or training for a marathon. A short walk around the office or simply standing up to stretch during a break at work can offer immediate relief in a stressful situation.
5) Sleep better
Everyone knows stress can cause you to lose sleep. Unfortunately, lack of sleep is also a key cause of stress. This vicious cycle causes the brain and body to get out of whack and only gets worse with time.
