Stress is a hyperactive state of the mind and body in relation to the perceived environment one is experiencing. It is a state in which either the mind or body- and in some situations both- try to cope with the pace of events and struggle to feel a sense of ease or calm. The stressful situation lets the elemental forces or bio energies of vata (air and space) and pitta (water and fire) to rise in the body, creating various imbalances. 

In Ayurveda, all disease is expressed at the surface of ’Bhoomi Deha’ (land where we live) and ‘Shareera’ (our body). If either of these two suffers from disease, it will eventually spread to the other if care is not taken. The mental cravings and false knowledge, according to the Ayurvedic teachings, are what cause us to make potentially hazardous actions, which in turn manifest as physical illness. We must be wise with this strong resource that is our mind. Regardless of how a disease enters the body, it manifests itself through every aspect of existence: physical illness, mental deterioration, and emotional instability.

It is a well-known fact that while we cannot change the situation, we can change the way we see the situation; this is a very important aspect to recognise in any path of healing. Therefore, at Ananda we emphasise on an integrated approach. Herbal concoctions or therapeutic therapies on the physical body are as important as the time spent with a yogi in meditation, or with an emotional healer in reflection and introspection of your emotional patterns.

In Ayurveda, the three bio energies are explained as: Vata - governs the mobility and impulses in our body and mind, pitta - takes care of the overall energy and emotions attached to thought process, while kapha (earth and water) provides stability and nourishment. Under stress different dosha types tend to react differently, the vata predominant mind-set tends to get nervous and anxious, a pitta personality type tends to get aggressive, while people dominated by kapha choose to not handle such abrupt changes, they tend to procrastinate and get into a state of endless waiting, hence, stress commonly manifests as depression in a kapha personality. 

When a human being is on a work and action overdrive, exerting the physical body beyond normal usage, it doesn’t allow a favourable condition for the body to repair and nurture, in other words the kapha responsible for nourishment and rest, begins to deplete rapidly. 

As per Ayurveda, if your thoughts are diseased you cannot be healthy. Thoughts regulate hormones and hormones regulate our body. Keep away from negative thoughts by regulating your daily routine, eating wholesome nutritious diet, meditating or taking time off to be in the awareness of your own breath. Pray, practice pranayama and go for a deep detox or Panchakarma at least once a year. A light body translates to a light and happy mind.

The stress can be classified, based on how one is feeling it and the causative issues. The first step is to recognise the stress type. 

Physical stress- trauma, intense physical exertion, environmental pollution, illness, fatigue, hormonal and/or biochemical imbalances, dietary stress, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies and sensitivities, unhealthy eating habits, substance abuse, etc. 

Psychological stress- emotional stress (resentments, fears, frustration, sadness, anger, grief/bereavement), cognitive stress (information overload, accelerated sense of time, worry, guilt, shame, panic attacks, not feeling like yourself, not feeling like things are real, and a sense of being out of control/not being in control), and perceptual stress (beliefs, roles, attitudes, world view). 

Psychosocial stress- relationship/marriage difficulties, lack of social support, lack of resources for adequate survival, loss of employment/investments/savings, loss of loved ones, bankruptcy, home foreclosure, and war

Psycho-spiritual stress- A crisis of values, meaning, and purpose; striving a misalignment within one’s core spiritual beliefs.

All these various types of stress are aggravated due to the inability to execute a decision and/or the uncertainty of the eventuality. 

The first step is to identify the changes (if any) in your physical action, words, and habits. Are you sure you are stressed or is it a borrowed emotion? Sometimes, stress can be contagious, you feel stressed by listening or counselling a friend or relative. Once stress is recognised based on the above categories, seek professional help for the friend or yourself through a holistic physician or a healer.  

In case of psychological stress, identify the emotions responsible. Let the voice of the adult within you guide and lead the dialogue. Think how does it really matter, do I really need to react like this, what are the alternative I can do to get over this. Once you figure out a logical reason which appeals the most, create an action plan. Seeking help of an emotional healer or a spiritual phycologist is advisable if you are clouded by childlike emotions. 

 

Cope with stress by taking soothing supplements like aswagandha, lukewarm milk, etc. based on what is best suited for you. Generally, to de-stress, our brain need more carbs and fat. 

To avoid aggravating pitta It is recommended to reduce the intake of red meat, alcohol, raw salads, seeds and millets for dinner. 

Exercise regularly and pray, take time to meditate and sit in silence.

Eat foods which your body craves – but within limits. Meet people who have a positive outlook.

Take this as an opportunity to correct the daily routine, it is observed the people who follow daily routine or dinacharya have a better outlook to life and have a better sense of wellbeing. 

Ananda Online Wellbeing Services | An opportunity for a detailed consultation with an emotional healer or an Ayurvedic Physician at Ananda’s online wellbeing services

Stress Management Programme | To create synergy in life through Ayurveda, Meditation & Pranayama and Emotional Healing under expert guidance