The Importance of Relaxation
Stress is an important activating agent - it helps you respond to challenges and adapt. But when left unmanaged, it can disrupt your health and well-being in profound ways. Psychology and Biology intersect in their ideas on chronic stress and in its impact on disease, a concept that aligns deeply with Ayurveda's approach.
Ayurveda has long recognised the intricate connection between the mind (manas) and body (sharira), teaching that prolonged imbalance - whether mental or physical - can manifest as illness. In Ayurveda, stress is not simply a mental or physical burden; it’s seen as a disruption in the harmony of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which govern your overall health and well-being.
Modern science echoes this wisdom. Chronic stress directly affects endocrine balance, with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis illustrating how chronic stress disrupts hormonal regulation. This can lead to imbalances in digestion, immunity, and more - an interconnectedness Ayurveda has always emphasised.
This is where relaxation practices like a guided Savasana become invaluable. A well-guided Savasana is not just a rest - it’s an opportunity to deeply calm your nervous system and helps to release the grip of stress. As you follow the audio guide, you’ll be gently prompted to bring awareness to different parts of your body, releasing tension and encouraging a profound sense of embodiment.
This practice helps bridge the disconnect that stress often creates between mind and body. It’s a simple yet powerful way to nurture your mental and physical health, reinforcing the balance that both Ayurveda and neuroscience agree is essential for well-being.
Endnote :
Not all stress is harmful. Eustress - or positive stress - can motivate and energise you to achieve goals or rise to challenges. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it shifts from being helpful to harmful, requiring intentional management to restore balance.
More Insights