STRESS AND YOGA
26 Jul 2019 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Stress and Yoga: Abstract
The term ‘Yoga’ in Sanskrit means the union of existence. Yoga is gaining popularity now all over the world and becoming a part of life as a precious thing. According to Yoga Philosophy, all existence is itself yoga, all life is yoga, all nature is yoga, all creation is yoga, and all galaxies are yoga. The connection of five elements (Panchamahabhootas) is the yoga of nature, and the connection of soul, intellect, mind, and body is the yoga of human life. The trilateral integration of the universe, nature, and human life is the yoga of existence. If there is any disconnection among them, everything around them will be disturbed.
Yoga is the ethic of life under the biological clock of the universe. It is considered a way of a complete transformation of our nature which harmonizes precious life and also appeals to having peace, love, non-violence, happiness, and bliss in human life. This is not a science just some decades before somebody discovered it. It is ancient human science based on ancient wisdom for ethical and spiritual life.
Practically yoga is the science of the soul that drives our mind and body. The absolute purity of soul keeps the life more balanced and sound and also releases happiness, positivity, and calmness in the mind. If thoughts are positive, we are purified and then can be free from stress and all the suffering. So right way of yoga understanding and regular yoga practice is the total way of getting rid of stress, tension, anxiety, depression, restlessness, frustration, and loss of concentration which usually cause psychosomatic problems that are mind-related to diseases or stress diseases.
What is stress?
According to Yoga science, stress is an imbalance at physical and mental levels. Stress is the autonomic response of the body to any physical and mental demands placed on human life. Imbalance is misery that causes conflicts and disorders in life.
Stress levels:
- Moderate: It can improve our performance and efficiency and also drive in a positive way.
- Too little: it can result in boredom and tension.
- Too much: It can cause an unproductive anxiety level and whole body disorders.
Effects of Stress:
- Physical effects
- Weight gain / loss
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Unhealthy skin and wrinkles
- Unexpected hair loss
- Early aging
- Bodyache
2. Emotional effects
- Mood swings
- Tension and anxiety
- Leading depression
- Leading to bad expression
- Coping strategies i.e. Drugs, Alcohol
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Sexual and romantic indiscretions
- Feeling worthless, inadequate, and insecure
Symptoms of Stress:
1. Moderate levels:
Tension headache, Indigestion, Loss of concentration, Tight jaw, Muscles tension, Sweaty limbs, Restlessness, Cold limbs, Loss/increased appetite, Sleep disturbance, Irregular Bowl
- Severe levels:
-chest pain; hypertension; allergies; phobias; anxiety/depression; fatigue/ tiredness; confusion/ memoryless; chronic constipation; sexual disorders; Infertility; dermatitis; menstrual distress
to be continued…..