Stress and Its Effective Management!

Studies have found that emotional stress increases blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels, independent of diet. Emotional stress, whatever may be its cause, plays an important role in development of heart diseases. The body responds to stress by activating a series of mechanisms collectively known as the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares us to fight or run away.

Acute stress tends to cause rise in production of adrenaline and nor-adrenaline, whereas chronic stress causes an increase in cortisol production. As a result of these hormones, a series of physiological reactions occur, which help us to survive danger. However, once the danger passes, the muscles relax, arteries dilate and you return to normal. Unfortunately the stress that we encounter in modern times is more chronic rather than acute. It is this chronic stress that leads to heart diseases.

Stress Management: Anything that enhances the perception of intimacy reduces stress, allowing our hearts to begin healing and our lives to become more joyful. Techniques that help in stress management are:

*Slow stretches, done over 20 minutes, which help relax the major muscle groups.

*Meditation, practiced for at least 15 minutes.

*Visualization for 5 minutes of what is going on inside us-physically, emotionally and spiritually. Visualizations are the images that your mind makes towards your thoughts.

*Yogic breathing techniques or 'Pranayama' practiced for 10-15 minutes.

*Yogasana like 'Shavasana' or Corpse's pose.

*Listening to soothing music, devotional songs.

*Listening to religious hymns and discourse on religion by Spiritual Gurus.

These stress management techniques are important not only for management of stress, but also for enlarging our hearts to our inner peace and inner voice.