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| (Image from www.hathayogaforpeace.com) |
Long before it was a vernacular trend, I was
consistently writing and speaking about the need to take time for oneself as an
investment in individual health and well being. Achieving this goal,
however, is easier said than done, and often derailed by life's daily
challenges, hiccups, and interruptions. Left unresolved, or ignored, stress
can and will eventually take a toll on one's health and well being. In
this article, I'm sharing with you some additional advice and helpful
suggestions from Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat.
FIVE TIPS TO STRESS
LESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
BY
INCORPORATING THE SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE
Expert Advice from Shankara Ayurveda Spa
at the Art of Living Retreat Center
With all that is merry and
bright about the holiday season, managing parties, gifts and a lot of festive
food also means that seasonal stressors and anxieties are bound to become a
reality. Wondering how to cope? The team of experts from Shankara Ayurveda Spa
at the Art of Living Retreat Center wants to help people embrace the ancient
science of Ayurveda as a method to add cheer and chill to the
holidays.
Stress is a holiday tradition
for many. A poll from the American Psychological Association reports nearly a
quarter of Americans feel “extreme stress” at holiday time. Specific data show:
~ 69 percent of people are
stressed by the feeling of having a lack of time
~ 69 percent are stressed by
perceiving a lack of money
~ 51 percent are stressed about
the pressure to give or receive gifts
The stress and anxiety of the
holiday season can cause headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty
concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, aching muscles (including lower
back pain), and loss of appetite. For relief, meditation is a great practice,
“One of the benefits of meditation is that it helps create a calm, clear mind,”
says Venkat Srinivasan, PhD. Srinivasan is the manager of operations &
guest experience at Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center.
“When the mind is at ease and comfortable, it’s easier to handle stresses or
anxiety when they appear.”
A few Ayurvedic tips for
handling anxiety and stressful situations during the holidays and year-round:
• See
the larger picture. When we see the bigger picture in the larger
context of space and time, we are able to relax and handle the situation with a
clear mind.
• Give
attention to your breath and take a few deep breaths. This helps
settle the anxiety in the mind. “When breathing techniques and meditation
become part of our daily practice, stressful situations are much more easily
handled and anxiety doesn't stay with us for long,” adds Srinivasan.
• Keep
energy levels high. A high energy level can help in handling
situations with a positive outlook. Drinking more water, eating more fresh
fruits & vegetables, sleeping at regular times and an Ayurvedic lifestyle
all contribute to higher energy levels.
• Feel
grateful. Focusing on gratefulness can uplift our state of mind.
Srinivasan suggests, “When we feel grateful, we focus on the positive, which
enables natural contentment and abundance to grow.”
• Take
a break. A few minutes of deep rest, such as during meditation, calms
the mind and gives it the space needed to handle situations with skill.
About Shankara Ayurveda Spa
at the Art of Living Retreat Center - For
those seeking physical and internal renewal on their journey toward greater
self-awareness and happiness, Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living
Retreat Center provides a nurturing environment and service-oriented, educated
staff. The relaxing mountaintop location in North Carolina offers wellness
adventurers a range of therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments and day or overnight
programs perfect for those hoping to cultivate rejuvenation and inner growth.
For more information and to
check out various retreat options, visit artoflivingretreatcenter.org
~ In Closing ~
During this time of "holiday madness",
it's all the more critical to stop, take a breath, and re-focus on what is
important. Taking time for your self isn't hedonistic...it's an
investment in self that's well worth the effort...and, you deserve it!
That’s it for this edition. Until the next
one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.
By Terry Herman
TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry,
and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations,
customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an
extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright
registrations on her authored work. Consumer and trade publications have
also interviewed her as an expert. She also conducted an extensive
nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa,
interior design, music, stress and time management. Her work has been
published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade
publications. In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as
an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.
She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former
EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was
comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and
spa. She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group,
The Spa Buzz. In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also
includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Be sure to read her food, wine
and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS. Don’t
forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”. Please
note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled. For additional
information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.
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