An increasing number of people use the word ‘stress’ to describe their present state of being. Bandied about whimsically, it is often viewed as casual and even normal for one to express a feeling of being stressed. But the truth is far from it, we do not have to live in a constant state of panic or anxiety as it will eventually lead to medical complications – whether for the mind, body or the psyche.
Hans Selye first introduced the term stress into life science. The term stress is derived from the Latin word Stringere, which means ‘to be drawn tight.’ Stress is defined as a complex, dynamic process of interaction between a person and his or her life.
Stress is primarily a physical response to what is perceived as danger to self. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and reflexively switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode. This produces a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.
Meanwhile, it must be noted that stress has a positive side to it too, as a motivator. However, if this mechanism is triggered too easily, or when there are too many stressors at one time, it can adversely affect a person’s mental and physical health causing harm.
Current problem scenario
For organizations, tackling employee stress has become the biggest area of concern and focus. Greater disposable income means bigger purchases, often on loans, increased mortgages etc. With rising costs of everything from health, education and recreation, employees suffer heavy pressure to fill the large corporate shoes. Additionally, unreasonable/excessive pressure or demands placed on employees at the workplace with very little or no time for leisure results in lack of positive channelling for all the built up tension. With no release at hand, mental and physical health take a toll adversely affecting productivity at workplace, increased absenteeism, bigger medical bills for both the employee as well the company etc.
This in turn results in our body going into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. The results of having elevated cortisol levels can be an increase in sugar and blood pressure levels, and a decrease in libido.
In such a fight or flee situation, blood flow is directed to only the most important muscles and brain function is minimised. This leads to lack or loss of judgement and the inability to make sound decisions which boomerang causing greater stress and anxiety. This forms a loop which is almost impossible to break out of until and unless a conscious realization comes into our awareness.
Yoga and its Benefits
There are two functional parts of the brain that play a key role in stress. These are emotional and cognitive functions. During an episode of ‘stress’, the emotional brain via the sympathetic nervous system initiates a ‘stress response’ which culminates in adrenaline and cortisol racing through our circulation. The logical brain is always trying to ‘turn-off’ this stress response and also trying to restrain the emotional brain.
When the stress response is ‘turned off’, our parasympathetic nervous system signal is ‘turned on’. This signal ‘relaxes’ the body. The stronger our logical brain, the better it becomes at doing these two things. So a strong logical brain goes hand in hand with relaxation. With repetition and consistency, you start to develop new habits towards a more relaxed internal state.
- Yoga actively engages the ‘logical brain’ and thereby giving it a good workout.
- At the end of your yoga asana practise, you feel mentally calm as the logical brain has quietened down the emotional function.
- Through regular and consistent practise, new circuitry is formed which enables greater control and channelling of thoughts.
- The other aspect of Yoga which is Pranayama helps greatly in effective breathing. Stress and tension can cause us to breathe in a rapid, shallow way, which can lead to more anxiety.
- Yoga gives you the opportunity to use the diaphragm fully and utilise the whole lung capacity.
- Certain Pranayama techniques are useful for reducing stress, particularly Brahmari (humming bee breath), Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril) and Ujjayi (victorious) breath. Left nostril breathing can have a calming effect too.
- Meditation too is an incredibly powerful tool for relaxing and slowing down the mind as is any kind of breath awareness.
- Yoga enables the release of emotional energy
- Asanas that release the hips and shoulders (where we commonly store emotional tension) are particularly effective
- Boost in confidence and increased self-worth
- Higher productivity
- Effective decision-making
- Improved all-round health
Solutions through yoga
Many corporates are undertaking a responsibility towards their employees’ welfare through internally organized Wellness programs and Health camps. The Corporate Wellness syllabus usually includes Basic asanas, Pranayama techniques and Meditation tools on a regular basis. These include simple Desktop Yoga postures, classroom style sessions of 45min-1hr with yoga mat, exercises for the eyes to relieve strain and also encouraging employees to take frequent walking breaks to ward off spinal and postural defects.
