Stress is a condition that manifests when the individual’s adaptive capacity to a given situation has been overwhelmed. Any change that requires adaptive behavior could produce stress. Whatever the level of stress – physical, psychological or emotional, the net result is stress reaction which is harmful to the body, leading to diseases such as hypertension, anxiety neurosis, depression, digestive disorders and ischemic heart diseases.

Physical stress is triggered by weather, noise, pollution or disease. Emotions like anger, frustration, joy, grief, happiness, and embarrassment are psychological factors that cause stress. A certain amount of stress is desirable because it gives us the required stimulation, drive, and motivation to face the challenges of life. This in fact is termed as positive stress.

Responses to stress vary individually. Perhaps the single most significant determinant to stress response is one’s attitude towards life and the methodology he or she adopts to overcome stressful events.

What is to be done?

• Diagnosis is the first step. Diagnose the stressful situation first.
• Conscious acceptance of the possibility of the symptoms in relation to stress.
• Adoption of a relaxation technique for proper stress management such as yoganidra, shavasan, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, meditation.
• A well–balanced diet and food intake at fixed timings.
• A regular physical exercise such as walking, yoga and pranayama.
• Cold spinal bath daily for 30 minutes.
• Full body massage once a while, generally relaxes and is also beneficial.
• Warm water bath in general relaxes the system.
• Neutral immersion bath provides relaxation.
• Chest packs, neutral spinal baths taken regularly are also beneficial.
• Cold foot bath for 30–45 minutes relieves tension.
• Setting sensible goals, keeping calm in all situation, cultivating habit of spending time purposefully, and adequate rest and relaxation all go a long way in preventing stress reaction.