Growing stress is the bitter truth of life today. Be it children or older people, women or youth, everyone is falling prey to it. Along with this, it is also giving rise to a host of psychosomatic ailments. Though this is a natural consequence of this over-competitive era, our distorted lifestyle is also no less responsible for it. Bad eating habits, irregular daily routine, lousy company, unrestrained conduct and behavior, and negative thought process – all of these are collectively displaying their hazardous impact on the mind and body of people.
Distorted eating habits have an adverse effect on the mind, which has its own subtle science. The physical aspect of food forms our body, while its subtle nature creates our mind. Thus, tamasic and rajasic foods turn out to be immediate causes of inertia of body and fickleness of mind and, in the long run, increase the instability and distortion of the mind. A disorganized routine is enough to make life turbulent, unbalanced, and stressful. At the core of this lies the ambiguity about the goal of life and lack of vigor. Due to this, one cannot discharge his responsibilities properly.
Bad company deviates the person from the righteous path. It instigates the inherent frailty of mind, which is naturally oriented towards sensual pleasures. A wrong company provokes inferior instincts and keeps one indulged in luxuries and comforts.In today’s time, smartphones have further intensified this problem. Most of its users are so absorbed in its numerous temptations that they are not even able to fulfill the essential responsibilities of life. From children to adults, excessive use of smartphones has taken the form of an addiction, which is severely affecting their lifestyle and also affecting their mental balance. In order to treat this condition, institutions ranging from Digital Detoxification Centers to mental asylums are being opened.
Unreasonable conduct and behavior also cause mental disturbance and sorrow and deprives the individual of requisite honor and social cooperation. Hurting the sentiments of others and repeating it instead of repentance gives rise to an unhealthy mindset. Self-centered and selfish behavior does not let the person remain calm and composed; it makes him stressed.Negative thinking traps him in such a vicious circle, in which he fails to see his flaws, vices, and faults. He either tries to figure out the causes of all the evils, sorrows, and sufferings of his life in external circumstances or imposes it onto others. This creates an unhealthy mentality, which makes him frustrated, and he begins to suffer from a suffocating experience.
“Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started. – David Allen”
By eradicating these negative habits and patterns associated with our daily lifestyle, we can easily resolve many causes of stress, depression, and unrest. At the same time, we can also prevent psychosomatic disorders arising from them. Improving food intake forms the basis of keeping the body light, hale, and hearty. A well-organized schedule, timely disposal of duties and obligations, and a tight routine not only ensure a successful life but also give rise to immense satisfaction.
Good company conserves mental energy, prevents distraction of focus, and creates a positive outlook towards life. The goal-oriented lifestyle keeps on constantly unleashing newer dimensions for the development of life. The curse of excessively sticking to the smartphone turns into a blessing with its restrained and proper usage, as it has a tremendous reservoir of knowledge, the appropriate utilization of which may lead to astonishing achievements.
Restrained conduct dignifies the personality and creates faith in people. Altruistic behavior provides deep emotional satisfaction and prepares a rich background for familial happiness, peace, and social upliftment. Optimistic thoughts drive an individual out of that vicious circle, where he was choking within himself due to a negative thought process and was intimidated by being entangled in a mess of illusionary doubts, fears, and apprehensions.A healthy and balanced lifestyle comprising of proper eating habits, a well-managed schedule, a positive thought process, and righteous conduct creates an optimistic attitude towards life.
If one does not find improvement even after doing this and life continues to be inflicted with depression, dejection, and sorrow, then it could be assumed that the problem is of deeper strata. They can be treated by Swadhyaya (the study of good literature) and Satsang (the company of saintly people). Chanting of mantras, austerity, and spiritual measures performed under proper guidance help decay the roots of evil impressions. Then the simple, secure, and spiritual medium of prayer plays a significant role in dealing with them. A person can incorporate them into his lifestyle as per his discretion.
“Much of the stress in our lives comes as a result of our insistence on maintaining the illusion of control. We so desperately want to be strong enough to handle the trials and tribulations of life that we literally drive ourselves into the ground rather than admit our desperate need. Only in those moments of rare clarity that come from bottoming out will we allow ourselves to admit how little control we actually have. In those moments, the only thing we can do is throw ourselves headlong into the grace of God.”- Kenneth Boa“Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive. – Ziggy Marley”
Source: Akhand Jyoti Magazine Nov-Dec 2020