Work problems, economic precariousness, a failed exam, an accelerated pace of life, hours in traffic, overlapping commitments: these are just some of the most common scenarios and causes of stress from which, in general, it is very difficult shirk. Everyone, even children, is subjected to a certain amount of stress apparently inherent to the Western lifestyle (and now also of some Asian countries).

Yet, from an Ayurvedic point of view , all the above reasons and the many other possible reasons are not real causes: they would constitute nothing more than variables capable of influencing our mind making it slip into states of agitation and non-equilibrium , among which , precisely stress.

Therefore stress does not originate from external and pressing situations, but is determined by our mind that has lost focus and with it the ability to read and decode reality and the problems that characterize it.

Acting on the ability to re-orient it rather than on the obstinacy of wanting to change everyday life, opens the door to a potential and profound change in approach to life. 

Let’s deepen!

Mind according to Ayurveda: the 3 gunas

To fully understand the opening paragraph it is necessary to understand how the mind works according to Ayurveda . This ancient medical science contemplates the existence of three energies ( gunas ) capable of influencing mental states and therefore our “psychic” health:

1. SATTVA: life-giving , pure energy . When the mind predominates it is clear, limpid and inner peace prevails . We are calm, satisfied, balanced and our actions are calm and aware.
2. RAJAS: unstable energy , which tends movement. It is the guna of activity, of passion, of desire. Our mind is dominated by the feelings of hope or anxiety connected to a specific event on whose outcome our happiness depends. Anxiety, agitation and expectation disturb the sattvic peace.
3. TAMAS: inert , heavy energy. It is the guna of numbness, of indolence, of ignorance. If it prevails, confusion about what must be done and what must not be done takes hold of our mind and prevents it from acting with clarity.

As is clear from this brief exposition, psychological problems are caused by an increase in rajas or tamas at the expense of sattva . In reality, one constantly oscillates between one gun and the other and, unfortunately, it is very difficult to remain anchored to a sattvic predisposition. Often desire or attachment dominates us (examples of excess rajas ) or we lose the lucidity to distinguish right from wrong, or laziness takes over us (examples of excess tamas ) thus losing the stability and purity of sattva .

These oscillations are absolutely human and natural, but if they continue over time, the mind is altered and various disorders can surface: depression, anxiety, fears, chronic nervousness, instability and, of course, stress syndromes .

For anxiety, try these Ayurvedic remedies

An Ayurvedic approach to stress

Stress is generally believed to be the result of an excess of rajas which causes agitation, impatience, anger, desire, attachment, frenzy. However, this should not lead us to think that there is something ontologically negative in it: it becomes a source of imbalance if sattva is latent and therefore does not constructively guide the passion or dynamism – to give examples – that characterize this guna.

Therefore a good Ayurvedic stress management approach is to increase the sattvic component . How? Through various paths:

• FOOD : in Ayurveda, food also has its own energy. Preferred fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, seeds, sprouts, ghee, milk. Cut back on tea, coffee, chocolate, fried food, meat and fish.
• YOGA, MEDITATION AND PRANAYAMA: Observing your breath , practicing yoga and indulging in regular meditation sessions will significantly raise the level of sattva in your constitution. However, if these practices are not for you, even a healthy walk or swim are good habits.
• AYURVEDIC REMEDIES: the famous abhyanga Ayurvedic massage is a real cure-all against stress because it dissolves tensions from the whole body. Shirodhara ( a technique that involves pouring lukewarm oil on the forehead) is also extremely relaxing and is particularly suitable for those who suffer from muscle-tension headaches.