Yoga for stress relief

“To tackle stress you can practice Yoga and breathing and meditation exercises, but for long term results you need to gain an understanding of the problems of human nature and learn how to cope with them...
The psychology of stress
Life consists of a series of involvements with others. We have parents, siblings and partners, and without involvement we cannot survive. While growing up we are dependent on others and because of our lack of life experience we may respond to our circumstances in negative ways, which prevent us enjoying life and lead to a build-up of stress.
In order to learn to manage stress we have to understand its underlying causes...
There are three main causes of stress: lack of love and security in childhood: environmental factors such as pollution and overcrowding in cities: and the triggering effect of a sudden event such as the death of a close relative or friend, failure in an examination, job loss or a financial debacle...
We all encounter stressful situations in our everyday life. for example, deadlines at work, exams for which we are unprepared or relationship difficulties that may have to be faced...”

The article continues to discuss early insecurities and the importance of a secure upbringing, personality types and the signs and effects of stress on them, developing a positive approach to life and managing the inner causes of stress. It also gives some simple Yoga exercises designed to help relieve stress.

The article is extracted courtesy of YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF by Swami Shivapremananda, recently published by Gaia Books and available on SPECIAL OFFER to readers of Yoga & Health magazine. See page 6 of the February 2007 issue for details.