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The Science of StressAnd

The Art of Managing it

Presented at MTV

On 18th Sept, 2007

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Background about the speakerBackground about the speaker

Electronics & Communication, Computer Science Engineer 20 years experience in the IT industry Visited 18 different countries – gained some global insights Professional roles:

System Engineering & Project Management on LCA Avionics (Military fighter aircraft)) at ADA (aeronautical Development Agency)

Quality Professional at Motorola covering India, Singapore, Japan, Korea, China

Quality professional and part of senior leadership team at MindTree Interests outside the profession:

Homeopathic practitioner, Physiology (neuroscience, endocrine system, respiratory & circulatory mechanisms)

Ancient Indian Wisdom: Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Vedantha Modern Physics, Quantum Physics, Electro Magnetism Trekking, Mountaineering, Nature study, Photography, Gymnastics Classical music, playing Tabala, singing, painting

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What is Stress?What is Stress?

Stress is a state of Mind

Stress is a mind-body reaction/response to a situation Fight or Flight instinct

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Why Stress Happens?Why Stress Happens?

When a situation/condition is not Acceptable to us When we want to do/get something but are unable When ego is hurt (feedback, comments, criticism…) When we lose something which we feel as

important … Stress is mostly due to

Fear (of Future) Worry (about Past) And not so much due to Present Moment

“The Future depends on what is done to the Present” - Gandhi

It is always due to the perception of Mind Different people ‘feel’ different stress levels for the same

situations

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What Happens when Stressed?What Happens when Stressed?

Psychology of Stress: Emotional impact Anxiety Fear Depression Anger Sadness …

Physiology of Stress Acidity Ulcers Heart ailments Blood Pressure Kidney problems Diabetes …

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Chain Reaction of Stress: The Negative Chain Reaction of Stress: The Negative SpiralSpiral

Mind perceives threatTriggers animal instinct

of fight or flight

Adrenalin increases

to prepare the body

Heart beat increases to

supply more food & oxygen

to body parts

Blood pressure

increases

Breathing becomes

fast & shallow

Metabolism

increases

Stomach readies for

processing more food

Acidity* increases

Overloaded Excretory Systems

to clear the toxin

Imbalanced Endocrine Systems

the chemical factories of

hormones, enzymes

Imbalanced Emotions

Fear, Anxiety, Anger, Depression*…

Panic

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Some Impacts of Sustained and Some Impacts of Sustained and Unmanaged StressUnmanaged Stress

Brain Continues to operate in higher Beta state (15 to 26 cycles per

second of electrical impulses (EEG)) Continues to trigger the rest of the body mechanism and create

stress

Blood Pressure remains high High blood pressures can lead to Heart failure, paralysis (due to

breakdown of blood vessels in brain)…

Acidity, Ulcer and other digestive problems Diabetes Kidney problems due to overload on removing toxins from

the body Reduces immunity and makes body susceptible to diseases ….

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Some More ImpactsSome More Impacts

Human body & mind are a highly complex and integrated system Each system impacts the other: either positively or

negatively

Stress and Mind induced effects on the body are far more harmful than the external pollution Internal Toxins are far more harmful than external

chemical/industrial pollution Human body has huge number of chemical factories –

approximately 6600 different chemicals are produced (scientists/doctors are discovering more)

ISO 14000 needs significant change in the globalized knowledge era!

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Why Allopathic Medicines and Stimulants are not Why Allopathic Medicines and Stimulants are not good for managing Stressgood for managing Stress

Allopathic medicines directly add chemical to the body and interfere with the internal chemical factories E.g. Taking Antacids for Acidity neutralizes the acid in the

stomach. Then body thinks that the acid is not sufficient and starts producing more.

E.g. Anti-depressants suppress the ability of brain cells to generate electric impulses

People taking such drugs for prolonged time become dull

Stimulants like Tobacco, Coffee, Tea, Coco, Alcohol, Drugs etc. temporarily trigger higher activities Subsequently body craves for more & more stimulants

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Then how to manage stress?Then how to manage stress?

Turn it into a Positive Spiral Break the negative cycle at each point

Some amount of Stress is healthy – it triggers and energizes the system

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Managing StressManaging Stress

Root Cause: Manage Mind Positive Thinking and Attitude

So what? What’s the worst that can happen? Smile at the situation; laugh at yourself

Larger view of life Story of the Professor and the Jar

Meditation

Build capability to face stressful situations and reduce the impact of stress at physiological level

Yoga Pranayama

Healthy lifestyle and food habits Have multiple positive energy sources

Hobbies, interests, active family & social life along with professional life…

Time Management, Planning, Being Proactive & Prepared… Story of farmer’s servant who sleeps while wind blows Story of person with a lamp

…

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What does What does Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation

do at do at Physiological level?...Physiological level?...

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What does Yoga do at Physiological level?What does Yoga do at Physiological level?

Yogasanas exercise different parts of the body They combine with breathing

They create flexibility and hollowness, lightness Postures: Stretch & hold, Compress & hold Helps in flow of water, food, oxygen, electrical signals and

flow of energy in the body

They are Isometric exercises As against Isotonic exercises of aerobics, gym exercises

which help to build muscles which reduce the flexibility & become blockers over a period of time (aerobics are useful to exercise the heart)

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What does Pranayama do at Physiological level?What does Pranayama do at Physiological level?

Increases absorption of oxygen into the hemoglobin by creating inhale pressure in lungs for osmosis E.g. Ujjai breath

Increases the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood plasma by creating exhale pressure in lungs for osmosis E.g. Bastrika pranayam

Increases oxidation and liberation of energy in every cell of the body Air filter analogy in automobiles

Stimulates nerve tips in lungs which have connection to the brain area (hypothalamus) where Pituitary Gland is situated Pituitary Gland is the master gland in the endocrine system and

has a strong influence on rest of the endocrine glands Breathing is the key voluntary AND involuntary function

Clue (entry point) to explore the internal world – what ancient Rishi’s discovered

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What does Meditation do at Physiological level?What does Meditation do at Physiological level?

Meditation Takes the brain to Alpha state: electrical impulses of 8 to

14 cycles per second At deep meditation level (Samadhi state) brain goes to

Theta state: electrical impulses of 4 to 7 cycles per second Leads to deep relaxation

Sudarshana Kriya of Art of Living Takes the brain to higher beta state Then takes the brain to deep relaxation Thus exercises and expands the brain/mind capacity

Mind rules the body Mind Nervous system Endocrine system rest of the

body function

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Importance of Endocrine SystemImportance of Endocrine System

Metabolism

Master glandControls all other glands

Adrenalin: heart rate, blood pressure

Body rhythm

Insulin: blood sugar, energy

Immune system

Enzymes produced by Endocrine glands influence every cell, organ and function of the body

They regulate mood, growth, metabolism, tissue function, sexual & reproductive processes

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Chain Reaction of Managing Stress: The Positive Chain Reaction of Managing Stress: The Positive SpiralSpiral

Mind peaceful, joyfulTriggers hope, optimism,

Positive feelings

Adrenalin normal

to prepare the body

Heart beat normal to

supply normal food & oxygen

to body parts

Blood pressure

normal

Breathing becomes

slow & deep

Metabolism

normal

Stomach readies for

processing normal food

Acidity normal

Normal Excretory Systems

to clear the toxin

Balanced Endocrine Systems

the chemical factories of

hormones, enzymes

Balanced Emotions

Energetic, Enthusiastic, Positive…….

Calm

Confident

Composed

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Clinical Research Results…Clinical Research Results…

Ref: Art Of Living Research with AIIMS, NIMHANS

Increased alertness and deeper relaxation

of mind Reduced tension and stress

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Clinical Research ResultsClinical Research Results

Improved immunity Increase in good cholesterol and

decrease in bad cholesterol Decreased depression

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Beyond Physiology… The Energy Beyond Physiology… The Energy SystemSystem

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Human Body as the Energy SystemHuman Body as the Energy System

Modern Science & Medicine consider human body as merely electro-chemical, electro-mechanical and physical phenomena

Ancient Indian & Eastern Spiritual Sciences consider it as an Energy System Universal Cosmic Energy (everything is common at atomic

level) Yoga – union of body, mind and spirit Raja Yoga – Chakras and Naadis Reiki (which means life force in Japanese; Started by Dr.

Mikao Usui a doctor and Buddhist monk during 1860s) Thai Chi, Acupressure, Acupuncture (originated in China) Homeopathy (Started by Dr. Hahnemann a doctor in

Germany during 1800s)

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Chakras: Energy CentersChakras: Energy Centers

Chakras are situated near the key endocrine glands and nerve groups (plexus) Wireless connection to brain; Connection to Cosmic universal energy

Chakras

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Chakras and Naadis: Wireless Connection Chakras and Naadis: Wireless Connection to Brainto Brain

World seen through the 5 sensors (wired connection) is narrow band: gross, inert, matter world

World seen through Chakras & Nadis (wireless connection) is broad band: subtle, dynamic, energy world

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Science of Homeopathy: Medicine of Energy Science of Homeopathy: Medicine of Energy SystemSystem

Basic principle: what causes disease cures the disease also when given in the potenticized form

Homeopathic medicine preparation Potencization through the process of tritration Transfer of atomic vibrations to the base substance. Not even a

single molecule of medicinal material will be present according to Avogadro number

Curing principle Right medicine creates energy vibrations in the human system

(resonance principle) This increases the energy level to improve the health conditions Typically causes initial aggravation and subsequently cures with

oscillations Cures inside-out: Mind Emotional level Physical level

Mind & Emotional symptoms are the key for diagnosis

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So, to be “Successful”….So, to be “Successful”….

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What is “Success”?What is “Success”?

The definition I liked most: “The measure of Success is the number of joyful smiles per day

every day” – Shri Shri Ravishankar

Life is full of choices; The choices one makes determine one’s life – they are like cross-roads IQ < EQ < AQ < SQ : determine what choices one makes Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we react to it

Manage Mind Healthy mind FOR a healthy body It is mind, and not body, that differentiates the leader from the

rest Positive Energy is most fundamental to any Leader Mythology: Shiva: churn the ocean to get Amrita (immortalizing

nectar); hold the poison but give out the nectar to others.

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The Vicious Cycle The Vicious Cycle

People spend half of their life pursuing money as the highest priority and lose health in that process.

In the remaining half they spend that money trying to regain the health

Priority

1) Pursue money

2) Pursue fame

lose health lose joy Less creative

Less Accomplishment

Less RecognitionLess MoneyMore stress on the priorities

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Make it a Virtuous CycleMake it a Virtuous Cycle

Pursue health (mind+body) and knowledge (universal knowledge) then money & fame will follow as a byproduct

Caution: This can not become an excuse for escapism Story of the praying villager

Priority

1) Pursue health

2) Pursue knowledge

More joy More creative

More Accomplishment

More RecognitionMore MoneyContinue stress on the priorities

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Don’t believe me…Don’t believe me…

Explore

Experiment

Experience

… But do not wait for proof

Modern Science (“Matter” Science): Sees matter in life* Proof first, then belief/trust comes

Spiritual Science (“Energy” Science): Sees life in matter* Belief/Trust first, then proof comes

* By Shri Shri Ravishankar in his book ‘Celebrating Silence’.

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Conclusion: A personal prescriptionConclusion: A personal prescription

Practice Yoga & Pranayama (and Meditation) everyday* Life will change at the most fundamental level Art Of Living workshop is one of the best in my exploration

Combines Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga (Service: Jesus), Bhakti Yoga (Devotion: Narada, Chaitanya…), Jnana Yoga

Practical for family & social life, professional life and spiritual life

Use Homeopathy for chronic or hereditary health problems to strengthen the positive spiral Spare Allopathic medicines/surgery for emergencies

Become better individuals and better leaders

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Some references…Some references…

On Homeopathy and Physiology The Science of Homeopathy – by Dr. John Vikolthas Homeopathy Materia Medica – by Dr. Boericke Dr Padmanaban R padradha@satyam.net.in Human Anatomy & Physiology – by Dr. David Le Vay

On Reiki Healing through Reiki – by MK Gupta

On Modern Science Scientific American – Mind Modern Physics – by Arthur Beiser

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Some more referencesSome more references

On Ancient Indian Wisdom Art Of Living www.artofliving.org www.lifepositive.com Vedantha literature from Ramakrishna Mission Celebrating Silence – by Shri Shri Ravishankar Efficacy of Raja Yoga – Shri Ramachandra Mission Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga – Swami

Vivekananda Patanjali Yoga Sutra

At Behavioral level Stop Worrying and Start Living – by Dale Carneige Emotional Intelligence – by Daniel Goleman The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma You can win – Shiv Khera Power of Positive Thinking…… and so on

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Social

& Family

Life

Professional

Life

Spiritual Life

YinYang – the balance

Relish a Wholesome & Holistic LifeRelish a Wholesome & Holistic Life

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Safe Harbor: Religion vs. SpiritualismSafe Harbor: Religion vs. Spiritualism

Spiritualism is a true science, science of nature/universe – it includes modern science & beyond and is much more holistic than modern science. But unfortunately the rationales behind them are not fully understood (disconnected). When the SPIrit behind spiRITUAL is lost, only the rituals remain – then it becomes religion, fanaticism.

Truly, spiritualism starts where religion ends.

Just for example, Sanskrit gets associated with Hindu religion. But Sanskrit is such a scientific language that every alphabet (sound) is designed to produce certain vibrations in the internal energy system of human beings (what I mentioned about in the Raja Yoga). If we observe each alphabet in Sanskrit from A, AA, E, EE… to Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha,… to Cha, Chha, Ja, Jha,….we can see that they begin from pit of the stomach (diaphragm) and come up to lip (like Pa, Pha, Ba, Bha, Ma). Then the words formed out of such alphabets like Hari produce different vibrations – ‘Ha’ produces vibrations in the naval region where Solar Plexus (certain nervous centers) exists and where endocrine glands like Adrenal and Pancreas exist; ‘Ri’ produces vibrations in hypothalamus where Pituitary and  Pineal glands exist. So, people were named as Hari and when people call them by the name Hari, they get benefited.

This is just a small example. The ancient Indian (and Eastern) Wisdom had integrated everything (language, music, dance, culture, medicine, lifestyle…) around that spiritual science – which treats this entire universe (including the human beings) as energy systems. Those roots are lost. There is a great need and potential to bring them to the contemporary world (like what’s happening for Yoga at a physical level) while pursuing the modern science/technology. This will be a great complementary and convergence approach.

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Back up Back up slidesslides

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Anatomy of Consciousness according to Anatomy of Consciousness according to YogaYoga

Human Consciousness perceives this world through 10 faculties

External : 5 sensors Eyes (see), Ears (hear), Nose (smell), Tongue (taste), Skin (touch)

Internal: 5 faculties Mind, Intellect, Memory, Ego, Self

Transcending all the sensors and the faculties and experiencing the Self is the true realization and aim of Yoga Experiencing the complete nature/universe – ‘broad band’

science

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Maslow's hierarchy of Needs Service model in Ancient Wisdom

Jnaana Daana (Donate Wisdom - Guru) Makes the person figure out the living

Vidya Daana (Teacher) Teaches person how to live

Jeeva Daana (Doctor – give life)

Anna Daana (Donate food/money)

Jnaana Daana is considered as the highest form of Service