This new column will feature suggestions and low cost solutions for dealing with various forms of stress. Judy Jackson, M.A., holds a degree in forensic psychology and has been a practitioner of Yoga for more than 20 years. She ran a stress reduction center in NYC for three years, has taught yoga and meditation to special and general populations, and currently writes about crime, mental health & law, including reviews of books and films dealing with these issues.
Stress is a concept we are all too familiar with in these increasingly uncertain and conflicted times. For those struggling with mental illness, both personal and professional stress can become a constant companion undermining coping abilities and creating physical, emotional and spiritual upheaval.
Stress is defined as pressure or tension experienced when events we perceive as threatening overwhelm us. With repeated exposure to stressful events, especially those where the individual has no control over the situation, the ability to recover emotional equilibrium is diminished. Long-term irritability, anxiety, and helplessness combined with decreased energy, concentration, memory, and biological immunity are associated with stress even in people without previous psychological problems. For those with chronic mental illness, stress can be far more devastating.
Stress may be manifested in the form of headaches and gastrointestinal pains, crying bouts and angry outbursts, and as loss of faith in belief systems or religion that previously brought comfort.
We probably all know that runners get a rush of pleasure when hormones called endorphins are released in the brain; what is not so well known is that stress also results in hormones being released. Adrenaline and Noradrenaline constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate, and affect metabolism, mental acuity and muscle strength. Constant or repeated exposure to stress and the accompanying physiological changes causes chronic damage to the immune and nervous systems. There are many techniques for alleviating it, but research has demonstrated that exercise increases psychological as well as physiological well-being helping. No form of movement counters the detrimental effects of stress better than yoga.
Yoga is not exercise per se, but a scientific system developed thousands of years ago to integrate and nurture body, mind and spirit through postures known as asanas supported by deep breath work and conscious awareness of every movement. Future columns will delve more deeply into the practice of yoga, but in this introduction I will describe inexpensive resources for making this powerful system of healing a part of your life. If you already have membership in a health club, look at its schedule for introductory level classes. Some psychosocial clubhouses are now offering Yoga as well. It is important with Yoga to begin slowly while gauging your level of fitness. If you are injured, respect your body's limitations while remaining open to the potential Yoga has for alleviating persistent pain. You may be surprised to find how familiar many of the postures are. Every stretch I have seen taught to athletes is based on yoga! And if you can't find a class that meets your needs, there are low cost alternatives.
The American Health and Fitness Alliance distributes two passbooks that can be purchased for $68 each. One is general fitness with 400 coupons to 150 centers throughout the five boroughs. The other book, with 200 coupons to 65 studios, focuses on Yoga, Pilates and Dance, with many of the listings in Brooklyn and the rest in Manhattan. The coupons each entitle the holder to a minimum of two workouts; some are good for a week, and some even month-long. All passes are valid until 12/31/03, and you should bring a photo ID to all sites. If $68 is too expensive, consider finding a friend or coworker to share the expense. To order by phone call 212-808-0765. The Web site is www.health-fitness.org, and checks can be mailed to The American Health and Fitness Alliance, POB 843, NYC 10163. This is a completely legitimate enterprise, but if you have concerns call or E-mail Barry Sears for the literature. For anyone homebound or too busy, Yoga videos are an easy alternative. Www.YogaJournal.com describes their comprehensive offerings. Many bookstores such as East West or Integral Yoga have extensive video and audiotapes for sale with knowledgeable and helpful personnel. The library is also a wonderful place to start your search as videos can be rented free for a full week, and you may find a comfortable instructor or technique. There are many different types or styles of Yoga to explore, and that will be discussed in next month's column. Until then Om Shanti- Peace.