Beating stress
July 2009
By Life Positive
Readers share their stress secret
To beat stress, I prefer doing things in order of priority. Music relaxes and soothes me. Also, being a seeker, I have completely surrendered to God and I know that whatever has to happen will be for my ultimate good. That thought itself de-stresses me.
MALLIKA SUKUMARAN, MUMBAI
Stress arises from a mismatch between what is and what we think “should” be. When I find myself displaying such emotions, I remind myself that this self-righteous “should” expectation is just the ego surreptitiously trying to get in through the back door. Just this realisation allows me to see the situation for what it is and allows me to cool off and let go of the stress. The ultimate goal is to become aware even before the emotion arises and thereby avoid the stress build-up.
AKILA JAIKUMAR, HYDERABAD
The first thought that comes to my mind is if the Almighty has given me this, the solution will also be provided by Him. Secondly, pains are steps that help me to grow. I also thank God for being with me and taking care of me. I affirm ‘I trust the process of life and I love and approve of myself’. I do kapalbhati and Gayatri jap to release stress. When depleted, I watch trees, birds and plants and am inspired to write something.
SUMAN SHARMA, BHIWADI
I enjoy the rain! Whenever it pours I make it a point to have a good bath in the rain. When it drizzles I enjoy a long walk. Not only a great stress buster, it makes you feel like a child enjoying the present moment. Another thing I do to de-stress is to go to the river side, and have good dip in the river. Watching the sea recede helps me to get rid of depression, gives new energy and the message that this shall too pass.
JAYALAKSHMI CHELLAPPA, DELHI
Manipulations cause miseries and a straightforward approach to life keeps you stress-proof. I try living in the present and keep my expectations from others as low as possible. I have made concerted efforts to train myself over the years to accept any happening, good or bad, as prasadam from God Almighty. Total surrender is a good experiment and it is working beautifully with me. Firm belief in karma theory keeps you away from mundane daily stresses.
RAJEEV CHAUDHRY, PUNE
I have a few must-dos to avoid stress. I make it a point to allot some time for myself, everyday, even if it’s only 15 minutes. I must have a spiritual connection regularly. Even helping someone or a courtesy call does the trick. I find the company of friends and loved ones calms me down. Computer games help take the stress levels down quite a bit. Some form of exercise like the gym, aqua aerobics or yoga also de-stresses.
DESIREE PUNWANI, MUMBAI
Meditation helps me a great deal when I get stressed. I find that acupressure relaxes my pranic body, allowing me to work better. I also go for long walks in nature. I live close to the Yeoor hills which are very cut off from the city’s hustle bustle. I also feel detachment helps me get through stressful situations better, by freeing my mind of worry and giving me more energy to work at the task at hand.
BHARATI NIRMAL, MUMBAI
I turn inwards to my spirit in prayers, allow myself to just ‘be’ and let the stressful situation reveal its higher purpose.
Also the affirmation that helps, and is always playing in my head is…. “The will of God will never take me, where the grace of God will not protect me.”
Dinaz Dastur, MUMBAI