Ayurvedic Approaches to Handle Stress

Let’s journey into the past and recall your most anxiety-inducing situations. Maybe it was a day when you simultaneously faced numerous work meetings and critical client feedback. Or the frustration of being stuck in traffic while a friend waited for you miles away. These scenarios, while mentally taxing, can be managed. However, recurring minor annoyances can build up over time, leading to prolonged stress.

Ayurveda adopts a comprehensive perspective on addressing mental stress and other mental health issues. This article delves into Ayurvedic strategies for managing stress.

Understanding Stress – Causes and Consequences

Stress is essentially a state of emotional or physical tension. While it can begin with minor triggers, it can result in various mental health challenges when exacerbated.

Typically, stress arises due to situations that induce frustration, worry, or anger. In simpler terms, it’s our body’s response to challenging situations. While avoiding stress is advisable, short bursts can enhance focus and help meet deadlines during mild crises.

To gain a better grasp of stress, let’s explore its root causes and its potential impact:

Causes of Stress:

1. Overwhelming mental pressure
2. Significant life challenges
3. Worrisome situations
4. Lack of control over outcomes
5. Excessive responsibilities
6. Monotonous routines
7. Absence of engaging activities
8. Encountering discrimination, hate, or abuse
9. Traumatic experiences

Effects of Stress:

Stress can manifest in various physical symptoms:

1. Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
2. Profound fatigue
3. Sleep difficulties
4. Dizziness, headaches, shivering
5. Abnormal blood pressure
6. Clenching of the jaw
7. Muscle soreness
8. Digestive problems
9. Reduced libido
10. Weakened immunity
11. Anxiety, depression, extreme sadness
12. Panic attacks

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms:

People often resort to detrimental habits to manage stress, including:

1. Smoking
2. Drinking
3. Substance abuse
4. Overeating
5. Neglecting health
6. Excessive sleep
7. Engaging in excessive spending, sex, or shopping

Diverse Forms of Stress:

Stress can take various forms based on causes and consequences:

1. Acute Stress: Immediate response to new challenges, typically not harmful.
2. Episode Acute Stress: Repeated acute stress episodes leading to chaos and constant challenge hopping.
3. Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stress resulting from various reasons.

Ayurvedic Insights on Stress and Anxiety

Ayurveda links stress levels to three energy forces known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas predominantly influence positive and negative stress levels within an individual.

Most individuals possess a bi-doshic constitution (e.g., Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha), affecting mental well-being. Let’s explore these doshas and their impact:

1. Vata dosha: Governs quick thinking, creativity, and intuition. When dosha levels rise, dominant Vata individuals may face anxiety, fear, and insomnia.
2. Pitta dosha: Influences determination, intelligence, and confidence. Elevated Pitta dosha can lead to anger, irritation, sweating, and physical issues.
3. Kapha dosha: Represents strength and steadiness. Dominant Kapha individuals might struggle with change and experience stress due to lethargy and lack of motivation.

Ayurvedic Supplements for Stress Relief

Gahano Ayurveda offers various remedies for stress relief, including:

1. Ksheerabala Oil: An oil for stress-relieving foot massages.
2. Bala Ashwgandha Oil: Enhance memory and mental clarity.
3. Chintahar Tea: Aids in calming the mind and reducing agitation.

Yoga for Stress and Anxiety Management

Regular yoga practice promotes mental and physical relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. Yoga’s physical aspects enhance flexibility, release tension, and alleviate stress-related issues.

Yoga Poses for Relief Include:

1. Virasana (Hero pose)
2. Vrikshasana (Tree pose)
3. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
4. Uttanasana (Standing forward bend)
5. Child’s pose
6. Uttana Shishosana (Extended puppy pose)
7. Matsyasana (Fish pose)
8. Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend)
9. Janu Sirsasana (Head to forward knee bend)
10. Leg up the wall pose
11. Baddha Konasana (Reclining bound angle pose)

Tackling Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a rising concern, especially in post-COVID times. Coping strategies include meditation, deep breathing, and cultivating mindfulness.

Conclusion

Stress is a complex challenge, but Ayurveda offers effective practices and remedies to ease and manage it. Individuals can better cope with stress and enhance mental well-being by understanding doshas, practising yoga, and adopting stress relief supplements.