The Way of the Heart
HeartMath, a California institute, has focused research on the physiology of and relationship between the heart, stress and emotions. Aided visually by computer software programs, HeartMath's techniques demonstrate an ability to transform stress by engaging the power of the heart to shift emotions and heart rhythm patterns.
The Way of the Mind
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of New Mexico blends meditation, yoga and everyday tasks to help people relax and deal with stress. Scientific studies back the secular program's claims of positively impacting conditions such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
The Way of the Ancients
Anusara yoga instructor Bea Doyle and Hakomi therapist Devon Finnegan, founders of the meditation group Albuquerque Shambhala, say their ancient approaches can impact modern-day stress. But first, what is stress and is it really so bad? "Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life," according to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), a nonprofit agency founded in 1978. "Without stress, there would be no life." While stress has been around as long as humans, scientific research increasingly has confirmed the crucial role that stress plays in causing and aggravating different disorders. Too much stress hurts! Institute research also gives a resounding "yes" to the notion that the nature of contemporary stress is somehow different and more dangerous than that of [past time periods].
Scientific study of stress is a relatively new field, according to Maurine Renville, a psychotherapist and licensed trainer using the HeartMath technique in her Albuquerque, N.M., practice. HeartMath concentrates on the stresses impacting everyday, ordinary people. The studies take a special look at the workplace, which surveys indicate is the most common source of stress. Experts agree that stress is a highly personalized phenomenon. Identical situations can provoke very different responses in different people. Its severity can boil down to an individual's sense of control or decision-making latitude in dealing with challenges, according to AIS.
Renville describes stress as a feeling. You first feel the tension, irritation or worry, and then it escalates into stronger emotions of frustration, anxiety or anger. The result can range from angry outbursts and criticism to a lack of self-care, drug abuse or even abusive relationships. "Chronic stress affects the body in dramatic ways," said Renville. "Sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, panic attacks, migraines and depression to name a few. Yet, 90 percent of the people I see discount or don't believe the impact that stress is having on their bodies." Certainly, statistics seem to bear out the impact that stress has on our productivity and lifestyle. Surveys released through the American Institute of Stress indicate that 62 percent of Americans end the day with work-related neck pain, 44 percent report stressed-out eyes, 38 percent complain of hands hurting, 34 percent report difficult sleeping, and 12 percent call in sick to avoid job stress.
Renville said one common misconception about stress is that it is somehow separate from an emotional response. "Anger is stress," she said. "Your body doesn't differentiate."
Source: Albuquerque Journal. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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