Stress Management
What is Stress …. The Silent Killer? Stress is a state of mind that causes worry or emotional tension. Why Stress Happens? When ego is hurt (feedback, comments, criticism) When loose something which we feel important When a situation is not Acceptable to us When want to do/get something but are unable Stress is mostly due to Fear (of Future) Worry (about Past) And not so much —- due to Present Moment It is always due to the negative perception of Mind Different people feel different stress levels for the same situations Mind Rules the Body: Mind rules the Nervous system Nervous system rules Endocrine system Endocrine system rules rest of the body functions Manage your Mind to manage your whole body What Happens When Stressed? Psychology of Stress: Emotional impact Fear worry Depression Anger Sadness Physiology of Stress: Acidity Ulcers Heart ailments Blood Pressure Disorders Kidney Problems Diabetes Cancer Chain Reaction: Unmanaged Stress Impacts of Unmanaged Stress Brain Continues to operate in higher beta state (15 to 26 cycles per second of electrical impulses (EEG)) Blood Pressure remains high leading to Heart failure, paralysis Acidity, Ulcer and other digestive problems Diabetic disorders Kidney problems due to overload on removing toxins from the body Reduces immunity and makes body susceptible to diseases Stress and Mind induced effects on the body are more harmful than the external pollution Internal Toxins are far more harmful than external chemical/industrial pollution Managing Stress: Stimulants are not good Stimulants like Tobacco, Coffee, Tea, Coco etc. temporarily trigger higher activities Subsequently body craves for more & more stimulants Allopathic medicines directly add chemicals to the body and interfere with the internal chemical factories E.g. Taking Antacids for Acidity neutralizes the acid in the stomach. Then body thinks that the acid is not sufficient and starts producing more. E.g. Anti-depressants suppress the ability of brain cells to generate electric impulses Managing Stress: What is Good? Practice healthy lifestyle and food habits Folic Acid and Theanine (kind of Amino Acids found in Green Tea) helps to reduce stress. Theanine is sold in US as a dietary supplement. The Thiamine (Vitamin B) reduces stress and promotes clear thinking. Chew 5-10 seeds of Black Seeds (Kalonji) everyday. Some amount of stress is healthy it triggers and energizes the system Turn the Stress into a Positive Spiral Break the negative cycle at each point Chain Reaction: Managed Stress Managing Stress: Manage the Root Cause Manage Mind … The Root Cause Positive Thinking and Attitude Meditation, Yoga Stop worrying and start living Start recitation of Darood-e-Pak whenever feel stressed Build capability to face stressful situations and reduce the impact of stress at physiological level Say your prayers Always speak the truth Regular morning walk Managing Stress: Manage the Root Cause Larger view of life …. difficulties are part of life! The problems that you face, will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how you responded to them? We react foolishly, and dislike our problems, rather than pausing to consider, as to what benefits, they might bring. Allah (SWT) uses problems: To DIRECT you, to INSPECT you, to CORRECT you, to PROTECT you, and to PERFECT you Have multiple positive energy sources Games, Hobbies, Participation in positive activities Managing Stress: Dealing with Parents Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAAW) has cursed the people who found their parents in old age but they could not get paradise by serving them. Always talk gently to your parents even if they talk to you rubbishy, even never say …Oh!… to your parents in any situation. They need more love and attention from you as compared to your wife and children. Managing Stress: Dealing with Family Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: The best of you are those who treat the families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family. Your wife & children love you much and also need your consideration. They can make mistakes in daily life but they need your lovely guidance. If you wrongly deal their mistakes, it will create stress for all family members including yourself. As a result of stressed environment, your next generation may become psycho case and they will repeat the same bad dealing with their next generation. People often get angry over unimportant and insignificant matters. Anger is a negative reaction, and if you wish to progress on the path of self-improvement or spiritual growth you should avoid it as much as possible. Managing Stress: Matters Out of Home In the outside world, you have to deal many people. Each person have its own psychological behavior and mindset. Some are senior and some are junior to you. They can do many things which you may not like. Your seniors can treat you badly, but deal such tough situations intelligently with cool mind. Your juniors may make many mistakes, cover their mistakes with kindness. You may face harsh positions from general public. Always treat them tactfully in cool and calm way. As a result of these practices, your life will become stress free and joyful. Managing Stress: All Happen for the Good Believe that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for your own good. All your past experiences actually happened to bring you to where you are today, and it is always for the good. These past experiences make you a better person. So, whatever challenges that you may face today, consider it happening to bring you to the next higher level. Managing Stress: Habits That Help Noticing the things that are causing stress Be calm in all situations Be focused in dealing with stressful issues Relaxing techniques (meditation) Gratitude (thankfulness) Be creative (positive creativity) Look at other less fortunate Manage anger in healthy manner Say Salaam to everyone you see, you know them or not. Daydreaming take yourself away on an imaginary holiday: Just close your eyes and picture somewhere you’ve been or somewhere you’ve dreamed of! Giggling laugh out your stress everyday Managing Stress: The Meditation Meditation is a