Self Management of Excessive Tension

Managing Excessive Tension through Self-Management

Over the last two decades, despite extensive global research, there has been a notable increase in various expressions of stress, leading to a decline in overall quality of life and a rise in health and social issues, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Stress has become a modern epidemic, deeply rooted in our daily lives, impacting us physically, mentally, and socially.

This book acknowledges stress as a pervasive issue and offers a Yogic approach to address this challenge, drawing wisdom from ancient texts. It introduces the fundamental principle of 'Stimulation followed by Relaxation,' a core concept in the Integrative Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT). Central to this approach is the practice of Cyclic Meditation, a meditation technique aligned with this principle.

The Dual Nature of Stress Throughout history, humanity's pursuit of knowledge and freedom has propelled us to great intellectual heights, but it has also introduced new dimensions of stress and hypersensitivity, significantly affecting our quality of life. Stress, although essential for growth, becomes detrimental when it transforms into chronic tension. Modern life's fast pace and constant demands often turn healthy awareness into excessive hypersensitivity, contributing to a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiac issues, strokes, and mental health disorders.

Navigating the Path to Relief To combat the detrimental effects of chronic stress, a balanced approach of stimulation and relaxation is advocated, aligning with the teachings of Mandukya, the concise Upanishad centered on holistic living. This balance entails cultivating awareness while expanding sensitivity—a fundamental key to personal growth.

Additionally, fostering a sense of team spirit and enhancing creativity are emphasized. Encouraging collaborative efforts and nurturing creativity equips individuals to transform challenges into opportunities, contributing to personal and collective growth.

Supported by Research and Evidence Scientific research, extensively published in peer-reviewed journals, underscores the efficacy of these practices. Even a brief half-hour practice is shown to provide three times the restorative benefits of a full six hours of sleep. Studies reveal improved brainwave coherence, and enhanced information processing in the brain leading to better concentration, memory, and creativity. Furthermore, tailored modules rooted in these principles, as published in esteemed journals like the British Medical Journal (BMJ), demonstrate the efficacy of the Self-Management of Excessive Tension (SMET) modules in controlling health hazards and modern NCDs.