How many of us are in denial to the degree that we allow our reactions to stress and anxiety to affect us with regards to our mental wellness and physical health? What lasting effect does this behavior have on us over a prolonged period of time?
We push through the days and weeks at top speed. The regular coffees, glasses of wine, beer, fast food, and sugary snacks we constantly consume: Are these ways just to fool ourselves into thinking that this will keep us alert and productive?
What effect does the instantly available numbing medication have on our stress levels, anxiety and feelings of overwhelm over time? Could we be using these only to mask our aches, pains, lack of sleep and depression?
Maybe let’s just watch another episode from the latest TV series to “switch off”? Let’s just check our email or social media accounts. Does this lead us to the realization that it may now be impossible for us to sleep peacefully throughout the night? Have we blown our chances for a crucial good night’s sleep?
Before we realise it, this is considered normal behavior. Anger, stress and exhaustion can become part of our daily life, accompanied by the constant highs and lows we may feel throughout the day. What effect does this new “normal” have on our immune system? Can it lead perhaps to frequent emotional burnout or physical breakdown?
You are NOT alone.
In 2011, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), reported that in the US, the rate of antidepressant use in people above the age of 12, increased by almost 400% in 20 years (between 1988-1994 and 2005-2008).
The worldwide pandemic has seen the levels of stress and burnout rise significantly with many of us having to manage our time around different demands. In addition, we have had to adjust more than ever before in our jobs and home life responsibilities. With many returning to work since the deployment of vaccines, it’s a real juggling act for employees who are parents as changes are still in full swing with promises of going back to ‘normal’.
According to a study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) completed in June 2020, 40% of US adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse.
How can we proactively manage our emotions and stress levels in the current environment?
Himalayan monk, Ishan Shivanand, has developed the Yoga of Immortals (YOI) practices over the last 3 decades and recently launched an app-based home practice. Users of this YOI app were subjected to rigorous medical research.
The medical findings conducted during the pandemic in June 2020 demonstrated that symptoms of anxiety and depression in 1000 subjects worldwide dropped dramatically in only 8 weeks of using the YOI app.
In an 8 week time period, 72% of participants reported a reduction in severe to moderate depression symptoms along with 75% of participants reporting a reduction in general anxiety.
These same participants experienced an 82% reduction from having moderate to severe insomnia and their sleep patterns normalized. Finally, the research concluded that the quality of life of the participants in the scientific study had a 77% improvement in their quality of life. And this all over a duration of 8 short weeks.
Can we create our mental wellness and physical fitness in one step, just once a day?
We really do have the power to choose what that next step is. Perhaps it is the YOI app, a walk, a short meditation, shutting your screen off 2 hours before bed. Whatever you choose, take your first step and build on that, for a better, happier, and healthier life.
If this has piqued your interest, check out ‘Yoga of Immortals’ on LinkedIN or the great weekly live ‘Yoga of Immortals’ Meetups to learn more and practice YOI with different global Yoga of Immortals Teachers.
