Stress is the body's natural response to challenging or dangerous situations. In small doses, it can actually be beneficial, as it can help increase focus, motivation, and productivity. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. It can also contribute to more serious conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. In addition, stress can affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Furthermore, stress can have a significant impact on mental health, causing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Therefore, it is important to manage stress effectively to prevent these negative effects. Strategies for managing stress include exercise, relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, time management, and seeking support from friends and family or a mental health professional. Here are some common types of stress: Acute Stress: This is the most common type of stress, and it is usually caused by a specific event or circumstance, such as an exam or a job interview. Acute stress typically subsides once the event has passed. Chronic Stress: This type of stress is ongoing and is caused by long-term issues such as financial problems, relationship issues, or work-related stress. Chronic stress can be particularly harmful, as it can lead to serious health problems if not managed effectively. Episodic Acute Stress: This is a pattern of acute stress that occurs frequently, such as in people who have a tendency to worry excessively, or who are always rushing to meet deadlines. Traumatic Stress: This type of stress is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, war, or a serious accident. Traumatic stress can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Burnout: This is a type of stress that results from long-term exposure to high levels of stress, particularly in the workplace. Burnout can lead to emotional exhaustion, a lack of motivation, and a sense of detachment from one's work or personal life.

 

Acute stress is a short-term, intense form of stress that results from a specific event or circumstance. It is a natural reaction of the body and mind to situations that need immediate action or attention, and it usually goes away after the event is over.

Here are some common types of acute stress:

1. Time-limited stress: This type of acute stress is caused by a specific event with a clear end point, like a job interview, a public speaking gig, or a sports competition.
2. Encounter stress: This type of acute stress is triggered by a sudden encounter with a stressful situation, such as a near-miss car accident or a physical altercation.
3. Anticipatory stress is a type of short-term stress that comes from getting ready for something stressful, like a medical procedure or a trip to the dentist.
4. Situational stress is a type of short-term stress that is caused by a specific event, like being stuck in traffic, having plans change suddenly, or having to deal with a difficult co-worker.

Acute stress can be both positive and negative. In small doses, acute stress can help increase focus, motivation, and productivity. However, chronic or excessive acute stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Managing acute stress involves identifying the sources of stress, developing coping strategies, and seeking support when necessary.

 

Chronic stress is a type of stress that results from ongoing and long-term issues that may persist for an extended period of time, such as financial difficulties, long-term work-related stress, or chronic health problems. Unlike acute stress, which is short-lived and usually subsides once the event or situation has passed, chronic stress can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Here are some common types of chronic stress:

1. Environmental stress: This type of stress is caused by long-term exposure to stressful environments, such as living in a noisy or polluted area, or in a high-crime neighborhood.
2. Work-related stress: This type of stress is caused by long-term exposure to stressful work environments or situations, such as job insecurity, heavy workloads, or conflicts with colleagues.
3. Relationship stress is caused by long-term problems in relationships, like marital problems, fights with family members, or having to deal with difficult people.
4. Financial stress: This type of stress is caused by long-term financial difficulties, such as debt, unemployment, or living in poverty.

Chronic stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health, leading to symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. It can also contribute to more serious conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Managing chronic stress involves identifying the sources of stress, developing coping strategies, and seeking support when necessary. In some cases, professional help from a mental health professional may be needed to address chronic stress.

 

Episodic acute stress is a pattern of acute stress that occurs frequently, and is often associated with people who have a tendency to worry excessively or who are always rushing to meet deadlines. It is a form of stress that is characterized by a "roller coaster" pattern of stress, with periods of intense stress followed by short periods of relief before the stress returns again. Individuals who experience episodic acute stress often have a chaotic and disorganized lifestyle with many competing demands and responsibilities. They may feel that they are always behind schedule and have trouble prioritizing and managing their time effectively. They may also have a tendency to be perfectionistic, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and self-criticism. Symptoms of episodic acute stress can include tension headaches, migraines, chest pain, and difficulty sleeping. These individuals may also experience irritability, anxiety, and depression. Stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, as well as increase the risk of developing chronic health problems. Managing episodic acute stress involves identifying the sources of stress, developing coping strategies, and seeking support when necessary. It may involve learning stress management techniques such as time management, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Here are some common types of episodic acute stress:

1. Work-related episodic acute stress: This type of stress is common among individuals who work in high-pressure jobs with demanding deadlines and competing priorities. They may feel overwhelmed by their workload, and have trouble balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
2. Relationship-related episodic acute stress: This type of stress is common among individuals who have difficult relationships with family members, friends, or romantic partners. They may feel trapped or suffocated by these relationships, and have trouble setting boundaries or ending toxic relationships.
3. Health-related episodic acute stress: This type of stress is common among individuals who have chronic health problems, or who are caring for a loved one with a serious illness. They may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their caregiving responsibilities, and have trouble coping with the uncertainty and stress of the illness.
4. Trauma-related episodic acute stress: This type of stress is common among individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an accident, or an act of violence. They may have flashbacks, nightmares, and other signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, and they may find it hard to deal with the trauma's long-term effects.

 

Traumatic stress refers to a type of stress that occurs after a person has experienced a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual assault, combat exposure, a natural disaster, or a serious accident. Traumatic stress can have a significant impact on a person's mental and physical health, and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares.

Here are some common types of traumatic stress:

1. Acute stress disorder (ASD): This type of traumatic stress occurs in the first few days or weeks after a traumatic event. Symptoms may include anxiety, dissociation, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping.
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This type of traumatic stress occurs after the initial acute stress symptoms have subsided, but the person continues to experience ongoing symptoms for at least a month. Symptoms may include flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and hyperarousal.
3. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD): This type of traumatic stress occurs in people who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. Symptoms may include difficulty regulating emotions, dissociation, and feelings of shame and guilt.
4. Developmental trauma disorder (DTD): This type of traumatic stress occurs in children who have experienced ongoing or multiple traumas, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence. Symptoms may include attachment difficulties, aggression, and emotional dysregulation.

Managing traumatic stress involves seeking support from mental health professionals, identifying coping strategies, and developing a support system. Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may be helpful in managing the symptoms of traumatic stress. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

 

Stress can have a significant impact on businesses around the world, leading to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. While it is difficult to estimate the exact amount of revenue lost due to stress, there have been some studies that have attempted to quantify the impact. For example, a 2019 report from the World Health Organization estimated that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. This includes both absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees are at work, but not functioning at their full capacity due to mental health issues). In the United States, stress has been estimated to cost businesses around $300 billion per year in absenteeism, turnover, and decreased productivity, according to the American Institute of Stress. This includes costs associated with healthcare, workers' compensation, and disability benefits. A study by the UK's Health and Safety Executive estimated that work-related stress, anxiety, and depression cost businesses in the UK around £5 billion per year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare costs. While the exact cost of stress to businesses can vary depending on factors such as the industry, size of the company, and geographic location, it is clear that stress can have a significant impact on the bottom line. For this reason, many businesses are investing in programs and resources to help employees manage stress and maintain their mental health.

 

There is one place where stress has not yet penetrated, and that is Sri Vishnu's Vaikuntha. Vishnu's workload is huge. He is responsible for managing the global business world. With his two wives, Bhudevi and Shridevi, he has to manage every kind of business, punishing the illegal ones and rewarding the legal ones. It is a very stressful task. But yet he has no stress! Vishnu represents a key figure in the new story-based Hinduism. He is a critical piece of what can be called the "grand" Hindu jigsaw puzzle. In the Puranas, common nouns become proper nouns; an idea becomes a god or a goddess. Thus, purusha becomes Purusha, or God, and prakriti becomes Prakriti, or Mother Nature. In Vishnu lore, Purusha is called Vishnu, while Prakriti is called Lakshmi. He sustains the world; she is wealth personified. He cannot perform his role without her, and she has no role without him. He gives her purpose, and she gives him wherewithal. Thus, Vishnu and Lakshmi validate each other. One cannot exist without the other. Vishnu’s sacred mark, the vertical namam, includes both material and spiritual reality. Material reality is represented by red, the color of the blood that sustains life as it flows through the veins. Spiritual reality is represented by white, the color of the bones that uphold life by being still. The central red line and the adjacent white lines are oriented upward, indicating growth. From the verb "to grow," which is "brh" in Sanskrit, comes the Vedic word for God, which is "brahman. Brahman is that which expands, that which is vast and infinite. Vishnu means "that which expands to occupy everything." In other words, Vishnu is the god who celebrates infinite material and spiritual growth.

 

What does material growth mean? It means access to all the wonderful things the material world has to offer to please the five senses: food, clothing, shelter, music, dance, art, entertainment, relationships, peace, pleasure, and prosperity. A visit to any Vishnu temple—whether it is Venkateshwara Balaji in Tirupati, Srinathji in Rajasthan, Jagannath in Puri, or the grand complexes of Ranganatha on the river islands of the Kaveri — shows how material splendor is an intrinsic part of Vishnu worship. Color, fragrance, music, and flavors are all part of the rituals. But material things are impermanent. Sooner or later, they wither away or cease to please the mind. This causes pain, frustration, anxiety, stress, insecurity, and fear—emotions that are most undesirable. They can instill in the mind greed, jealousy, rage, and attachment if left unchecked. Only intellectual growth can control the emotional turmoil caused by dependence on material things. This is why the sacred mark of Vishnu is placed on the head, the container of the human intellect. That is why the two white lines of spirituality form a cup at the base to anchor and support the single red line of materialism that stretches upward in aspiration. Fetterless material growth is not a desired state. Narayana sleeps on the coils of a serpent with many hoods. This serpent is called Adi-Ananta-Sesha, and it represents time. Adi means primal, Ananta means infinite, and Sesha means the residue. These three names refer to three states of time corresponding to when one is awakening, when one is awake, and when one is slumbering. When we awake, we first sense the flow of time. This is Adi, the primal sensation, represented mathematically as one, the first number. When we are fully awake, we can potentially perceive the world in infinite ways. This is Ananta, the ultimate sensation, represented mathematically as infinity. While we are in deep slumber and do not dream, we have no sense of time, hence no perception of the world. Nothing exists. What remains then is nothingness, or Sesha, the residue, equal to what is mathematically represented by the number zero. Thus the name of Vishnu’s serpent, Adi-Ananta-Sesha, draws attention to the three states of being all human beings go through cyclically: awakening, waking, and slumber states.

 

Slumber, or sleep, is important when it comes to stress. Getting enough sleep is essential for stress reduction, as it helps restore the body and mind and can improve our ability to cope with stressors. Here are some ways that sleep can help reduce stress: Improving mood: Lack of sleep can make us more irritable and moody, which can make stress worse. Getting enough sleep can help improve our mood and make it easier to manage stressors. Enhancing cognitive function: Sleep is essential for cognitive function, including memory consolidation and problem-solving. When we're well-rested, we're better able to think clearly and make good decisions, which can reduce stress. Reducing physical tension: When we're stressed, we may hold tension in our muscles, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Getting enough sleep can help relax the body and reduce tension, which can alleviate the physical symptoms of stress. Boosting immune function: Sleep is also important for immune function, which can be compromised by stress. When we're well-rested, our immune system is better able to fight off infections and other threats to our health. To get the most benefit from sleep for stress reduction, it's important to make sure you're getting enough sleep each night (typically 7-9 hours for adults) and to establish a regular sleep schedule. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and developing a pre-sleep routine (such as reading or taking a warm bath) can also help promote good sleep hygiene. If you're having trouble sleeping, talking to a healthcare provider or a sleep specialist may be helpful in identifying and addressing any underlying issues.

 

Vishnu's slumber also draws our attention to what happens to our body during sleep. There are various phases of sleep that you experience while sleeping. The first stage of falling asleep is when you start to feel your muscles relax, have trouble keeping your eyes open, and start to lose awareness of your surroundings. Stage 2 of sleep is a light, dreamless slumber during which the body is beginning to relax. You might still have no trouble waking up from this stage of sleep. Slow-wave sleep begins to take effect, and the body begins to relax in stages 3 and 4. Significantly less brain and muscle activity is occurring. These are the phases where your physical and mental energy stores are actually refilled. Another stage of sleep that happens all through the night is REM sleep. The brainwave phase most closely linked to dreaming is REM. The body and muscles are paralyzed, but the mind becomes incredibly active. Some people think of REM sleep as the brain's "rinse," during which it flushes out toxins and waste products that have built up throughout the day. During a normal night of sleep, people go through these stages four or five times. The body doesn't have the chance to cycle through these phases several times if you don't get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. In addition, the ability to transition smoothly through these sleep cycles is hampered by sleep interruptions. Consider whether your bedroom helps you feel calm, nurturing, comfortable, and at ease. Purchase a new mattress—one that is suitable for your body, and sheets, blankets, and pillows that are comfortable for you. Prior to going to bed, choose soft lighting or candles, make sure the room is clutter-free, check the temperature, and install blinds or blackout shades. Set limits on how much television you watch and for yourself. Keep your cell phone in a different room of the house and on silent while you sleep. If you want to use your phone for something useful related to sleeping, the majority of smartphones come with sleep timers that will remind you when to go to sleep. As you increase your daily exercise, consider reducing your intake of sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. Try to limit your intake of caffeine-containing beverages after noon and stay hydrated all day long. Avoid drinking alcohol after dinner because it might disrupt your sleep and make you need to use the restroom a lot.

 

The secret to Vishnu's calm is his yoga nidra. Vishnu's cosmic sleep invites us to think about creation in terms of time, how the past develops into the present, and how the present develops into the future. Although the cosmos has been created and destroyed, it only represents one rotation of the endless "wheel of time." But at a smaller scale, it can also provide us safety from stressful situations in life and make our lives happy and healthy. Yoga Nidra guided meditation may be able to help you sleep more deeply. It is also an excellent tool for napping. Some initial research has found that 20 minutes of Yoga Nidra are equivalent to approximately two hours of sleep in terms of how the brain restores itself. Let us understand how we can use this technique of Yoga Nidra:

1. After settling in, begin by sensing the body. What is your body experiencing right now? What specifics are you bringing to your practice? Feel every part of your body. As you settle in, you'll notice that the body resembles a waterfall in some ways. As the settling process progresses, it should begin to feel supported.
2. You can take a few slow, deep breaths if it helps, allowing each one to bring you closer to the present. Keep an eye on what's going on in your mind.
3. Allow an inner resource to emerge next. Find a comfortable, safe place inside yourself where you can be yourself. This could be a real location, such as a natural setting, a childhood memory, or your house. It could also be an entirely made-up location. Feel this as a place inside of you that is independent of your environment.
4. Allow your five senses to open up as you enter this safe haven. What do you perceive to be true? What flavors make you feel safe and secure? What keeps your body warm and cozy? Focus on how your body feels when you have a feeling of well-being and accept any sensations that make you feel secure, at ease, nourished, and at peace.
5. Set an intention for your practice after that. Maybe your goal is to achieve inner peace that will sustain you no matter what happens in your day-to-day life. What is it that I really want more than anything else in the world? What do I really want in my heart?
6. Whatever the response, state it in the present tense as if it has already happened. Here's an illustration: "I am content and whole just the way I am." This may evoke a sense of familiarity and encourage calm.
7. Moving through the physical body with attention is what the class will do next. Everything you encounter in a certain part is flawless.
8. Feel your mouth first, including all of its textures and sensations. Then, move across your face to your nose by doing the same for your ears. Feel your eyes, eyelids, forehead, and skull after that. Eventually, focus on your neck and throat while feeling your entire head as a single, pure sensation.
9. Move your shoulders downward. Consider this question: How do your shoulders feel? Is there any tension here? If so, try to pinpoint where the shoulders are most tense. It may still be there when you look for it, or it may have vanished.
10. Next, feel your way through your arms until you reach your hands' palms, fingers, and thumbs. Cover the ribs, lungs, heart, and center of the chest as you work your way back up the arms and into your chest.
11. Reach your lower back and abdomen. As you descend into the hips and pelvis, pay attention to how the sensation in your lower back and abdomen may change. Feel your way down into the ankles and feet by starting with the legs. Feel your toes and the bottoms of your feet.
12. Finally, allow your entire body to experience the symphony of sensations. Check to see if you can accept the body exactly as you are. See if a sense of security and comfort develops.
13. Additionally, you might catch some unwelcome judgments about the body, discomfort, or other things. Take note of how that feels. Where did they come from, you might ask? What do they require in order to feel secure?
14. Accept your body and any judgmental or self-conscious feelings you may still have about it. As if you were giving them all a hug, gather up all the thoughts and feelings you have ever had and tell them it's okay to be who you are right now. You can experience this without altering your body in any way.
15. "My body is a safe place to be," tell yourself. I feel good in my own skin—complete and whole. Even if it doesn't feel fully true yet, carry on regardless. I have the impression that it is currently coming to pass. If it's already true, on the other hand, perhaps you've grown receptive to that belief.
16. Next, focus on the breath and notice how its rhythm creates a feeling of security and comfort. Feel the balance, the life, and the opportunity for harmony that the breath is bringing you. Every inhalation and exhalation offers an opportunity to become more intimate with yourself.
17. Feel yourself becoming the world with each breath. With each exhalation, feel yourself becoming a part of the whole. Observe the feeling of security that comes from being a part of the whole, where boundaries between people start to disappear. You are part of the whole, even though you have a body and a mind. Feel secure and at ease in your connection to nature and to people.
18. Then pay attention to your thoughts. Consider how secure you feel. Think about the sense of security you may have felt in the past or currently feel. Consider this: What is safety? How do I interpret that? Where in the body do I experience safety when I think of it?
19. Allow this feeling of safety to develop. Keep an eye out for any signs of growing separation from safety. Feel that, and consider the question: Where do I break free from a feeling of security? Where do I go once I leave my inner place of stillness? Even in the midst of this, how can I feel secure?
20. Allow the solution to emerge while keeping in mind that the body is constantly seeking stability and harmony. It deserves praise for this. Give yourself credit for the fact that your body has been working hard for you to feel secure and at home in your body and mind throughout every moment of life. Make a promise to yourself to take actions that will increase the likelihood that you will always feel safe and at peace.
21. Ask yourself: How can I come home to myself so that I never leave? whenever separation occurs. Allow yourself to re-enter the silence, stillness, and core of your being. Reconnect with your true self, where you are always secure, sleeping, and experiencing peace and stillness.
22. As you go about your day at home, eating, sleeping, working, preparing meals, resting, relaxing, and having fun, picture yourself residing in the stillness. Do this while remaining still and in tune with the tranquility that is your true nature.
23. Keep your connection to the peace that is always present inside of you by committing to a heartfelt intention. Make it your goal for all of your actions, words, and thoughts to reflect this stillness. Recognize that you contain every potential. Consider yourself inspired to give it life the way only you can.
24. You may stay here as long as you like. Start breathing more deeply or moving your body slightly once you're ready to resume your day. Take as much time as you require to move from sleep to wakefulness while maintaining your connection to the silence and becoming your true self.

 

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