In the past, before the development of our technological age, there were considerably less irritants in social and family life so that stress was not the social problem it has become today. Nonetheless, the fact is that in this day and age we are all subjected to external influences that negatively impact on our mental health and welfare and it is incumbent on us to take whatever steps we can to mitigate consequential harmful reactions without recourse to professional help. In the same way that we are careful to avoid physical stress, so we should be careful to avoid psychological stress.
However not only are we careful to avoid physical stress, we are also competent at dealing personally with physical injury. We don’t always go running off to the doctor if we strain a muscle. In the same way, it is imperative that we learn to tend ourselves when we suffer from psychological stress
We are all fairly experienced in recognition of physical stress and strain. Psychological stress however, is a little more difficult to recognize. A sore muscle is a sore muscle after all. Simple. But being drowsy in the middle of the day may not necessarily indicate that we didn’t get enough sleep last night. It may well be a symptom of anxiety. There are many common symptoms of stress and nervous tension. Some of them are:
A general feeling of anxiety
Being over anxious about time
Being overly concerned about loved ones
Nail biting
Insomnia
Being sleepy during the day
The inability to sit still
Being overly talkative
Being withdrawn and introvert
Having nightmares
Headaches
Intense mood swings
Emotional frustration
Communication difficulties in relationships
It is very important to recognize that these symptoms are just that – symptoms. They are not baggage with which we will forever be encumbered. They are not part of our true psyche. Inwardly we are all capable of greater calm, courage, strength and confidence. These stress symptoms are merely inhibiting factors from which we must desire to be free. Once we acknowledge our own personal symptoms of stress, many of which may not have been conscious, we can gradually learn to change our habitual reactions of thought and feeling and so reduce our inner tension.
The good news is that there is a simple and very successful way of coping with stress. It is this:
-Train your muscles to relax upon your bidding
-Exercise to improve blood circulation, especially to the brain
-Establish rhythmic breathing
-Correct your physical posture
-Learn to adopt a positive mental attitude
-Learn to improve your self-image
-Understand that happiness is a state of mind
-Accept that we cannot change the past
-Accept that our personal influence on the future is minuscule
-Be here now
And you know, one of the simplest means of doing this is by embracing Yoga. Yoga has many paths and admittedly some are complex. But Hatha Yoga, the path that addresses the management of stress, is simple to understand and simple to do.
What is very important is that the training is enjoyable. From experiencing peaceful times of quiet relaxation and meditation to the active involvement in slow movement and physical control through Asanas or body postures. Even the breathing exercises are pleasant.
As every layer of nervous strain and stress is dissolved through learning to relax and as each layer disappears, you will feel better, freer and more ready to welcome the future with its wonderful promise for happy experiences and life opportunities.
So if you want to be free of stress and be more confident, comfortable and contented, why not undertake to study Yoga?
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga [http://yoga-guideto.com/]
