Stress is a negative consequence of modern living. In this world, man is exposed to all kinds of stressors that can affect him at all levels of life. Stress arises from an opportunity, demand, constraint, threat or challenge. It’s a silent killer and prolonged exposure to stress may exert harmful effect on physical, psychological and behavioral well-being of an individual.
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress can be defined as ‘nonspecific basic response pattern which prepares an individual for a demanding situation’. This involves activities at physiological level, behavioral level and emotional level. The body prepares to fight or flee, pumping more blood to the heart, muscles tense up, blood flows away from the internal organs and towards the muscles of the limbs, shutting down all nonessential functions.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON HUMANS:
| ON BODY | ON MOOD | ON BEHAVIOUR |
| Headaches & Muscle tension | Anxiety | Over eating or under eating |
| Heart problems | Restlessness | Angry outbursts |
| Fatigue | Lack of motivation/focus | Drug or alcohol abuse |
| Diabetes and high BP | Irritability or anger | Conflict with others |
| Autoimmune disorders | Sadness or depression | Social withdrawal |
| Weak immune system |
YOGA AND ITS APPLICATION TO STRESS MANAGEMENT
Yoga outlines a skillful way of leading life that nurtures moderation and harmony. Yoga practices like asanas, pranayams, kriyas, mudras and bandhas can offer a solution to this multi-dimensional challenge. This is possible because Yoga works at the body level, prana level, mind level, emotional level and the intellectual level.
The findings from empirical studies on Yoga revealed that long-term practitioners of Yoga had acquired a remarkable voluntary control over their autonomic processes which helped them in coping with psychological stress.
YOGA’S PROMISE
The promise of Yoga is that it offers a path to self-discovery. Yoga will help us in refinement of the right attitude and alteration of present-day turbulent societies into a hassle-free society.
AT YOGA CENTRAL
Postures like ustrasana, bhujangasana, paschimottanasana, adho muka veerasana (child pose), relaxation techniques and shavasana are thought to effectively alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Join our morning yoga classes in Bandra west for best results.
Tense mind = Tense body. Healthy mind = Healthy body. Relaxed mind = Relaxed body.