Puran Chand Sharma
Whilst having a look at the lifestyle, way of living, general behaviour and the purpose of life in this mortal world, we generally observe that by and large, people are pursuing a very unique lifestyle which is predominantly self centered and too inward, grossly defeating the purpose of our life. Therefore, in view of the fact that the modern man has gone extremely materialistic and delinked from Almighty GOD, has been navigating through the turbulent waters of the mortal world and the deep sea of unmanageable stress. It is, therefore, deemed fit to deeply analyse the issue threadbare with positive bent of mind and useful suggestions.
Proceeding ahead in the matter we find that in this fast paced and competitive world of today, the statement “Stress is automatic, Relaxation is to be learnt” captures a truth profound about human existence.
Stress arises naturally as a biological and psychological response to challenges, uncertainties and perceived threats. Relaxation, however, is not an instinctive reaction; it is a conscious, cultivated skill. Understanding this contrast is essential for leading a balanced, meaningful and healthy life.
AUTOMATIC NATURE OF STRESS
Stress is deeply embedded in human evolution. From prehistoric times, humans have relied on ‘fight or flight’ response for survival. When faced with danger, the body automatically releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This prepares the individual to either confront the threat or escape from it.
In earlier times, such responses were short lived and linked to immediate physical dangers. In the modern era, however, stress has assumed a different form. The threats are no longer wild animals, but deadlines, academic pressure, social expectations, financial concerns and emotional conflicts. Despite the change in nature, the body continues to react in the same primitive way. Thus, stress has become chronic rather than episodic. For example, a student preparing for exams experiences anxiety and pressure without any physical threat. Similarly, professionals face constant threat due to competition and performance expectations. These Stressors trigger the same biological responses repeatedly, making stress an almost automatic part of daily life.
WHY RELAXATION DOES NOT COME NATURALLY
Unlike stress, relaxation does not arise spontaneously. The human mind has a tendency to dwell on problems, worries and future uncertainties. This is partly due to the brain’s “negativity bias”, which prioritizes threats over calmness as a survival mechanism. Moreover, modern life styles further distance individuals from natural relaxation. Constant exposure to digital devices, social media comparisons and the pressure to succeed leave little room for mental stillness. Even during leisure time, the mind remains occupied, preventing true relaxation, which, therefore, requires conscious effort. It is not merely the absence of activity but a deliberate state of mental and physical calmness. One must learn how to disengage from stressors and train the mind to rest.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF UNMANAGED STRESS
If stress remains unchecked, it can trigger serious consequences on both physical and mental health:
Physical Health: Chronic stress can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, weakened immunity and heart diseases etc.
Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, irritability and burnout are common outcomes of prolonged stress.
Behavioural Changes: Stress can lead to poor decision making, lack of focus, and unhealthy habits like overeating, consuming harmful drinks etc.
Social Impact: It can strain relations, reduce empathy and create conflicts in personal and professional life. A real life example can be seen in corporate professionals who experience burnout on account of continuous work pressure. Despite achieving success, they often struggle with health issues and emotional exhaustion.
Learning Relaxation: Since relaxation is not automatic, it must be cultivated through deliberate practices. The process involves training the mind and body to shift from a state. The process involves training the mind and body to shift from a state of tension to calmness. Following yogic and meditative practices could be helpful and productive:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment. Meditation helps in calming the mind and reducing the constant flow of thoughts. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can significantly lower stress levels.
- Yogic practices and Pranayam: Ancient Indian wisdom offers powerful tools for relaxation. Practices like Yoga, controlled breathing (Pranayam) do help regulate the nervous system; Deep Breathing exercises slow down the heart rate and reduce anxiety. Yoga postures release physical tension and improve flexibility. Pranayamatechniques like Anulom-Vilom and Bhramari promote mental peace. These practices not only relax the body but also create harmony between mind and soul.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise acts as a natural stress reliever. Activities like walking, running or playing sports release endorphins, which are known as “FEEL GOOD” hormones.
- Time Management and Prioritization: Often stress arises from poor planning and overwhelming workloads. Learning to manage time effectively and setting realistic goals can prevent unnecessary stress.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and reduced screen time contribute significantly to relaxation. A healthy body supports a calm mind.
- Emotional Expression and Support: Sharing feelings with friends, family or mentors helps in reducing emotional burden. Suppressing emotions often intensifies stress.
REAL LIFE ILLUSTRATIONS
Consider the example of a student preparing for competitive Examinations. Initially, stress may seem unavoidable due to syllabus pressure and expectations. However, by incorporating meditation, maintaining a study schedule and taking short breaks, the student can manage stress effectively and improve performance. Similarly, many successful individuals attribute their productivity to relaxation practices. They consciously allocate time for exercise, hobbies and meditation which helps them maintain balance despite their very busy and demanding schedules.
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
From a deeper perspective, stress often arises from attachment to outcomes/results and fear of failures. When individuals learn to focus on effort rather than results, the intensity of stress reduces. This idea resonates with the teachings of Indian philosophy, which emphasize detachment and inner peace. Relaxation, in this sense, is not just a physical state but a mental attitude. It involves acceptance, awareness and ability to remain calm amidst challenges.
CONCLUSION OF THIS PROPOSITION
The statement “Stress is automatic, Relaxation is to be learnt” highlights a fundamental truth about human life. Stress is an inherent response shaped by evolution and modern circumstances, making it almost unavoidable. Relaxation, on the other hand, requires awareness, discipline and practice. In a world filled with constant demands and distractions, learning to relax is not a luxury but a necessity. It is the skill that empowers individuals to face challenges with clarity, resilience and composure. By embracing practices like meditation, yoga and mindful living, one can transform stress from a burden into a manageable aspect of life.
Ultimately while ‘Stress’ may knock on the door uninvited, ‘Relaxation’ is the art of choosing as to how to respond. Mastering this art is the key to a healthier, happier and more balanced existence. “Yoga Karamsu Kaushalam (Yoga is excellence in action through inner balance)”.
(Author is President of Managing Committee, Ved Mandir, Jammu)
