Six Ways to Stop Stress in its Tracks
The Ayurveda approach to stress
Stress has become part of life for many of us. High levels of stress cause excess build-up of free radicals in the physiology, and can lead to disease and premature aging.
The ancient science of Ayurveda offers many ways to combat day-to-day stress and enhance your natural ability to throw off the effects of stress.
Start the Day Stress-Free
The Ayurveda approach to stress is unique because it is a total approach, and includes mental, physical and emotional aspects. When you begin the day with a routine, it sets you up for a stress-free day by helping to keep Vata in balance.
Creating a schedule makes it easier to plan your time. If you have to leave for work by 8:30 a.m., for instance, it's easy to fit these steps in if you wake up by 6:00 a.m.
- Wake up in the morning before 6:00 a.m.
- Empty bowel and bladder.
- Wash your face, giving special attention to the eyes.
- Brush your teeth, scrape your tongue and rinse your mouth. This is also a good time to drink a cup of water.
- Perform abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage).
- Because it's best to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for the oil to soak in between your massage and bath, to save time you might want to spend this time shaving, flossing your teeth, or starting your Surya Namaskara or Yoga Asanas.
- Practice deep breathing or Pranayama.
- Practice Primordial Sound Meditation for twenty minutes
- Have breakfast - a stewed apple or pear and warm cereal is ideal.
- Take herbal food supplements and Rasayanas
- School or work.
Create an Armor against Stress
Abhyanga is an excellent way to build resilience to stress. If you don't have time for the full-body massage, at least massage your hands, feet, and neck region.
These are major stress areas. Use relaxation Massage Oil if your job is a high-stress one or the youthful Skin Massage Oil for nourishment of body and mind.
Meditate to Release Stress
While all parts of the daily routine are important, the Primordial Sound Meditation program is the most effective way to reduce stress.
While there have been studies conducted on the benefits of Primordial Sound Meditation technique, perhaps the most impressive research indicates reduction in the stress hormone cortisol; lactic acid, an indicator of stress; and anxiety. At the same time, seratonin, which is a sign of relaxation, increases dramatically.
Calm Anxiety with Therapeutic Aromas
Therapeutic aromas work very well in relieving stress and have a proven calming effect. Ayurveda recommends Pitta (Cooling) Therapeutic Aroma Oil.
Flowers in the home also create a natural soothing aroma. You can enjoy stress reducing aromas wherever you are by using an aroma locket, a diffuser or incense sticks. Or you can add six drops of aroma oil to your bathwater for a calming effect.
Listen to Serene Music
Music has a vital effect on your nervous system, mind and emotions. Ayurveda recommends the soothing, serene melodies of Gandharva Veda music, which align biological rhythms with nature's rhythms.
When you listen to music for its therapeutic effect, keep the volume low. Increasing the volume causes noise pollution and actually increases stress.
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