Managing Stress

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the concept of easeful living may seem like a distant dream. Yet, Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, offers a pathway to reclaiming this dream. Rooted in wisdom over 5000 years old, Ayurveda teaches us how to live in harmony with nature, aligning our daily habits with the rhythms of the universe. This alignment not only fosters longevity and rejuvenation but also cultivates a state of ease—a fundamental element for healthy ageing.

"Where our focus goes, our energy flows." This profound truth encapsulates the essence of easeful living. When we direct our life-force energy, or prana, towards ease rather than stress, we begin to transform our relationship with life. Habits form the structure that supports this transformation, enabling our body and mind to thrive. With clarity of mind, optimal bodily functions, and resilience, we become better equipped to navigate life's challenges with grace and acceptance..

Living in ease means being present, calm, content, and at peace. It’s about moving with the flow of life rather than against it. Imagine starting your day feeling grounded and connected rather than stressed and overwhelmed.

Take a moment to assess your current state and observe your body's response. When you ask yourself how you are feeling, do you identify with being "busy" or "stressed," or do you feel "grounded," "connected," and "in the flow"? Shifting our orientation towards ease significantly impacts how we verbalise and experience life.

Observe your responses during interactions with friends or colleagues. When asked how you are, do you typically respond with “busy” or “stressed,” or do you say you’re feeling “grounded,” “connected,” and “in the flow”? Changing our orientation towards ease alters how we verbalize and experience life.

Easeful living is both a habit in itself and the result of practicing other supportive habits. Ayurveda suggests aligning with nature’s rhythm, which naturally brings about ease. Here’s how integrating Ayurvedic habits can foster easeful living:

1. Nourishing Diet: Eating according to your dosha and choosing seasonal, local foods enhances digestion and overall well-being.
2. Restorative Sleep: Aligning your sleep cycle with the circadian rhythm ensures restorative rest.
3. Daily Movement: Incorporating yoga or morning exercises keeps the body subtle and reduces aches and pains.
4. Mindfulness Practices: Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation foster mental clarity and emotional resilience.
5. Self-Massage: Using dosha-specific oils for daily self-massage nourishes the skin and enhances circulation.
6. Seasonal Cleansing: Regular detoxification helps eliminate toxins and prevent dosha imbalances.

Our orientation to life is deeply ingrained in our subconscious, often going unnoticed. However, we have the power to choose our orientation. At the most basic level, the choice is between a stressful relationship with life (our body, mind, relationships, and daily challenges) and an easeful one. This choice is fundamental and influences every aspect of our being.

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This response redirects blood to the limbs, halts digestion, and releases glucose into the bloodstream, leading to potential fat storage. Prolonged stress causes undigested food to accumulate as toxins (ama), leading to inflammation, leaky gut, and disease. It also contracts blood vessels, hardens arteries, increases heart rate, and elevates cholesterol levels.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system’s relaxation response promotes rest and digestion, enhancing bodily efficiency. This ease response supports efficient digestion, assimilation, and elimination, creating high-quality tissues and balanced hormones, ultimately slowing down the aging process.

Easeful living allows us to savor each moment, feel gratitude, and recognize the abundance around us. It nurtures patience and compassion, fostering deeper trust that we are cared for. To tap into this state, we need daily self-care and healthy routines:

• Nourishment: Eat a balanced, dosha-appropriate diet.
• Rest: Prioritize restorative sleep.
• Movement: Engage in daily exercise or yoga.
• Silence: Spend time in meditation to clear the mind.
• Self-Love: Practice self-massage and other forms of self-care.
• Intentional Living: Take control of your day with mindful time management.

Reflect on how you can craft your day to feel more grounded and easeful. What habits do you need to feel your best each day? By adopting Ayurvedic practices and aligning with nature’s rhythms, you can cultivate a life of ease and grace, supporting healthy ageing and vibrant living.

As you journey towards easeful living, remember that you have the power to choose your orientation to life. Embrace habits that foster ease, and watch as your body, mind, and spirit thrive in harmony with the universe.