cause and effects of stress

What causes stress ?

Stress starts from the way our bodies react to information sent to our brain via our senses. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year the brain receives information, which effects how we respond. What we hear, see, smell, taste and touch, all play an important part to our reactions to our growing and changing environment. Causes range from jobs, school, marriage, moving home, a death, driving, being bullied, money problems, watching violence, playing video games, even watching certain TV programmes can affect the way your body reacts.

We all suffer from the effects of stress physically and mentally

The effects of stress

All too often we are too busy getting on with our lives to even notice how stressed or wound up we have become, it's a sad fact that stress levels are left unchecked, which, in the end could lead to serious illness's or even an untimely death. We all suffer, from the young to the elderly and can be brought on by a variety of reasons. We can suffer with physical and mental illness's through stress. Not only can it affect our mood swings, stress can also lead to Hypertension and other breathing difficulty related illness's, many heart problems which covers everything from high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, artery blockage, heart attacks and strokes. Other areas affected are our digestive systems, Ulcers, bowel problems, many types of cancer, Muscular stiffness and arthritis, Headaches and migraine, lower our immune system which can leave us open to a wide variety of unwanted illness's.

If you wish to read more on this please visit our cause and effects of stress page.

Water relaxation

Relaxing with water.

Even before birth we are about 95% water we are submerged in water in our mothers womb which protects us from harm and keeps us nourished, when we are born we are 70% water and if by coincidence, 70% of our plant is covered in water. It will come as no surprise to you that water is like a magnet to us, drawing us to its hypnotic therapeutic properties. when we see a lake, we want to swim in it, dip our toes in, throw a fishing line in, float a boat on it, dive in it, or just sit and become mesmerized by its enchantment. We hear water trickling from a stream, Many of us are drawn to its peaceful sound. The majority of us go on holiday and its by the sea side, or at a lodge by a lake, anything that involves water, many of us are there simply because it is natures way of soothing us. There are so many different techniques in which we can use water for relaxing, the most popular one would be to bath in hot bubbly water surrounded in a fusion of candle light whilst listening to some relaxing music, scented with just a few drops of essential oils, leaving a meditative state an easier option in which to enter.Taking a dip at the local swimming baths is another option, which is popular for people of all ages. Doesn't matter if you are swimming vigorously sticking to a targeted amount of lengths of the pool or taking life slower and pacing your self or just playing around, the benefits are the same, great for muscle toning, relieving stress and for overall enjoyment. One form of water relaxation therapy, which has to be one of the best ways of attaining deep relaxation, is the floatation tanks/centers/floatrooms. The water is salty which has healing properties, helping with arthritis and improving the condition of the skin. There is only 10 inches of water, because of the density, effortless floating is inevitable. Using a sensory deprivation treatment, this is a form of water therapy which enhances mind, body and spirit well being. Relaxing in your favourite armchair, the house is peaceful except for the gentle trickle coming from the fish tank. The fish are flitting in and out of the bubbles and the light shines brightly illuminating the colours. It is difficult not to become hypnotised by the water in the tank. This is another type of relaxation therapy which is visualization, having a beautiful vision is just as relaxing as getting involved with the physical side, it is a successful method in relieving stress.

Water therapy.

Water therapy is a method used to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins and waste, which causes many diseases. It is a daily routine Which proves to be efficient in greatly improving your health. There are many benefits following this technique everyday, they range from Weight loss, Relief from stress, Healthy glowing skin complexion, brighter sparkling eyes. Good for curing headaches, Arthritis, The heart, and would you believe, water retention. It flushes the kidneys, helps relieve, even cure water infections. In fact there isn’t a lot that water can’t cure, when you go to visit your GP, how many times have you heard him/her tell you to drink plenty of water? For many of us, we say yes and do nothing about it. The GP's Know of its benefits and healing powers, we just need to listen.

Water therapy method.

• On first waking before brushing your teeth, Drink 160ml, 1.5 litres of water, that’s roughly 4 to 6 glasses.

• Brush your teeth but try to refrain from drinking or eating anything for at least 45 minutes.

• If you are unable to drink the full quota in one go, give your self a break for 2/3 minutes then drink the rest.

• Filter,cool boiled water is acceptable if desired.

• The need to urinate within 2/3 hours is normal and shows signs of its benefits as it is flushing out your body.

• If you are constipated and follow this method, you will notice a difference in just one day

If you would like to read more on this subject then please visit our water relaxation page.

Relaxation therapy

Hello and welcome to our Ateaze relaxation website. Our aim is to introduce techniques and tips for obtaining an inner peace you yearn for and to ease your tired aching bones and muscles from the everyday stress's and strains that hang around our necks like a heavy anchor, rendering us sluggish and unable to unwind day after day. We aim to introduce the powers and benefits of positive thinking, to the healing touch of massage and the meditative effects Yoga and Tai Chi can have on you. We hope you will find the content of some benefit to you in your plight to either eliminate or reduce stress from your life, making everyday activities become easier for you to enjoy. The fact that you have visited this page suggests you are looking for answers, our aim is to give you as much advice as possible which we hope you will be able to follow and use to your advantage.

Because of the rising popularity in today’s society to become faster and better than the next person, it is becoming increasingly difficult to unwind, as we investigate further we will discover just how important relaxing is to us and what could happen if we don't listen to what our bodies are telling us. Just as we listen to the needs of others, we should also make time for our own needs, you are important. The more we learn or practice relaxing, which there are many fun and interesting techniques to follow, the longer you live. some of the methods you can use to help reduce stress in your life can range from, yoga classes, either at home with or without others, or in a class environment if this helps. tai chi, which is a great way to release tensions, listening to CD's learning how to self-hypnosis, listening to relaxation instructors, breathing exercises, candle lit bathing, floatation tanks, visit a trained hypnotherapies, and massages, listening to running water, visualisation the list is goes on, the choice is yours whichever works for you, follow it. We will cover many aspects to help you to overcome stress, to get to know what your body is saying, the warning signs are evident, but we just don't have the time to listen. We can learn to change the way we look at life just be using the power of positive thought. By changing our diet, exercising properly, practising relaxation exercises, meditation. Becoming more aware of our ever changing surroundings and learning how to cope with them. there are a surprising amount of people who need help understanding the importance of and releasing the physical and mental tension that go hand in hand. There are methods of relaxation therapy techneques that date back some thousands of years with new develpoments still coming to light. Recent studies have shown that people are more likely to suffer with colds and secondary infections when they feel stressed.
If you would like to read more, please visit our relaxation thearapy page.

What is Yoga

Yoga can be practiced by anyone of any shape, age, gender and flexible abilities. There are different levels to suit the needs of the individual. Just like Tai Chi, many of the movements or postures formed in Yoga are named after animals. The word Yoga derives from the root yuj which also means to yoke or to join, or the Union of individual spirits. Considered a systematic art, which includes discipline-using techniques for the mastery of the bodily organism, to render it healthy. Yoga is an art that is defined as a cultural system for perfecting or finely tuning the human body and for its efficiency. Practicing Yoga can help eliminate diseases and defects of the body, mind and spirit, to achieve happiness, for creating a healthy mental balance, enabling intelligence, finding true inner peace. A sound level of overall health and psychological consolidation must be achieved before the deeper aspects of yoga can be accomplished. Practising Yoga on a regular basis can help to overcome total physical end mental relaxation at its simplest level. Yoga is union with all. Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and it's techniques may be practised by buddhists, christians, muslims, jews, hindus and atheists alike.
If you would like to read more please visit the yoga page

Yoga and Chakra.

What are chakras?

'Chakra' originates from a Sanskrit word which means 'wheel'. If you work with them you can see them as individual primary chakra's as a rotating vortex or a wheel of energy, each one relating to the others. The energy spinning inwards towards the center point of that charkra on the front of the body then spinning outwards from the back at the same point as the front. There are hundreds of secondary chakras located throughout the body otherwise known as meridians which are used for acupuncture but there are seven primary chakra points. Just for your information, the Kundalini is a coil of energy and is fixed at the base of the spinal column. There are references of the word in the old testament where there are clues of Moses using the practice and its effects, the burning of the bush is one metaphor.
There are numerous religious metaphors for the process as the serpent energy is raised to the head.

Where are the Chakras?

They start from the base of the spine, each with its own colour, in a line, moving up the spinal column up through and onto the head on the Kundalini.


Base chakra which is red found at the base of the spine. Is deeply rooted, its the grounding force allowing us to connect to the energies of the earth filling us with empowerment. The adrenal glands and anus are related to the root chakra, In order to function properly and effectively, the root chakra needs to be grounded, without this you are spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically clumsy. Grounding on a daily basis enhances effective functioning.
Root/Base chakra stones: Ruby and red coral.
Root/Base chakra foods: food rich in protein, Root vegetables and hot peppery spices.



Sacral chakra which is Orange found in the lower abdomen. when functioning correctly can help balance the yin-yang. This is where an individuals creativity side is centered, it is also primarily thought of as the center for the sexual energy. also connected to the sacral chakra are sexual energy in general, emotions, vitality, reproduction, and fertility, if you are having any difficulties with these areas, then this chakra needs to be unblocked, this can be achieved by physical transmission of rhythmic energy.
Sacral Chakra stones: Tigers eye, Garnet, Moonstone and carnelian.
Sacral Chakra foods: Nuts, Honey, spices such as Vanilla, Carob, Caraway seeds,
Sesame seeds, Cinnamon and sweet paprika. Sweet fruits such as coconuts, oranges, Mango's, Melons, and more.


Solar Plexus chakra which is yellow found in the naval area and is related to our self esteem. During puberty and the development of the ego is found here. This is where you delve into the self to find your inner balance and boundary point. from here you find who you are and how to control your thoughts, your inner understanding of the physical world. relating to the digestive system, the solar plexus chakra is associated with action, empowerment, assertiveness and the ego. The life force or chi is found here if not functioning correctly can lead you to feeling tired, with drawn and powerless.
Solar Plexus chakra stones: Citrine, jasper and Topaz.
Solar Plexus chakra foods: carbohydrate, whole foods.


Heart chakra which is Green or Pink found in the heart area, the heart chakra is viewed as the love centre of the energy system. also associated with
Fear,Love,Pain,Grief,Heartbreak and other emotions intensely felt in this energy center, this is where the art of positive thinking comes in to play, by loving the self and believing in the self is a healthy form of therapy to build on balancing the heart chakra it is the purest form of healing. Placed where the unconditional love is based, it is a creative and powerful energy often leading and guiding us through unsettled times, it is constantly there and only needs our attention in order to free us from our limitations and fears. always try not to judge, but understand and accept. always try to love instead of hate. As long as we maintain a positive and loving thinking pattern creates a safe happy space for our selves.
Heart chakra stones: Rose quartz and rhodonite.
Heart chakra foods: Vegetables which are leafy, peas, avocados, kiwi fruit, green peppers, green apples, green grapes, and broccoli.


Throat chakra which is sky Blue found in the throat area, the center of our voice, here we are able to express ourselves, the point of communications.
In order to maintain a healthy throat chakra we must express ourselves honestly and openly, by telling untruths or by deception to others only blocks the throat chakras by energetically polluting it, it not only violates the ears of the listener but also our own bodies and spirits are harmed. Laryngitis, strep throat and speech impediments are the cause of imbalance caused if we fail to express our true feelings or try to evade our true words.Tell the truth with out being harsh, try to be humble, open and receptive, when judgement impales your thought, try to look inside and find the truth, when we look inside for the truth, we trust our own intuitive.
Throat chakra stones:Aquamarine, Chrysocolla, Sapphire, Lapis, Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, and blue topaz
Throat chakra foods: Blue cabbage, Blueberries and eggplant.



Brow/Third eye chakra which is Indigo found on the brow, also known as the third eye chakra, related to our mental calculations and thought process. through the third eye chakra,
we are able to assess our past experiences our life patterns putting them all into perspective. Through the third eye chakra we are able to separate fantasy from
reality enabling us to understand what we see physically and mentally. A receptive brow chakra that auric hues and other visual insights are intuited clairvoyant.
This chakra is related to inner vision, imagination and physical abilities also to the pituitary gland as is a link between the inner and outer world of our
being. When the brow chakra is not functioning correctly, there can be problems with headaches and eye tension.
Brow/Third eye chakra stones:Blue Obsidian, Celestine, Blue Tourmaline, Amethyst, Lavender Quartz, Garnet, and Lepidolite.
Brow/Third eye chakra foods: Grapes, brinjals and Asparagus.


Crown chakra which is Violet or White found on the top of the head, when functioning correctly this chakra allows the inner communication between the spiritual nature to
take place. once opened the crown chakra acts as a pathway for the universal life force to enter our bodies, travelling down into the other chakras. Often
considered as the lotus flower, its petals are seen as a spiritual awakening, The Crown chakra, like a bottomless well,is where intuitive knowledge is drawn from.
The crown chrakra is related to the pineal gland. When you are able to connect to the Christ consciousness is said that we are able to release all that is negative
which are born from old past negative influences. Our fear turns to courage, and guilt turns to acceptance.
Crown chakra stones: Golden Beryl, Howlite, Lavender Quartz, Amethyst, Ametrine, and Diamonds.
Crown chakra foods: Endives, Mushrooms, soy beans and olives.

I hope this has been of some use. to learn more about yoga please see our yoga book or listen to our yoga cd If your company wishes to learn yoga as a group then visit our corporate yoga page to learn more.

yoga and diet.

Yoga and Diet

Eating the right food to coincide with the other four principles of yoga is essential to a healthier body and lifestyle, a healthy diet compliments your yoga exercises, breathing, relaxation and meditation. It is important to eat a well balanced diet, you will notice the benefits by feeling fitter and quicker. Although yoga diet is not your average diet, you can lose weight eating healthier foods, if you don't wish to become a vegetarian, just following the basic yoga diet plan will make you that much fitter.

Fasting

Yoga diet is not always about what you eat, it's also about fasting also, this is a form of physical cleansing, purification. By fasting we are giving our digestive systems a chance to rest, on average, we make our digestive organs work three times a day, that is OK if the right foods are consumed but a rest is always good. Fasting helps our body to rest from over indulgence, also to free us from toxin. We must be careful on how to fast. simple guide lines must be taken.

• Always go one day at a time, this will give you a feel on how fasting can feel and how you cope with it, if you do one day at a time this makes going for longer periods in the future, you will adjust easier.
  

• If you are someone who eats three full meals a day and have a habit of snacking in between meals, then fasting will not be easy for you. maybe if you try eating one healthy meal a day with vegetables and grains for lunch and instead of snacking on food, drink fresh juices and water instead, not only will this be beneficial to your health, it will also make fasting one day at a time easier for when you are ready.
  

• There are different types of fasting, water, fruit juices or vegetable juices, when you have decided which one suits you best, stick to it, sip slowly, it is advisable to take around seven glasses a day whilst fasting.
  

• The idea of fasting is to try and proceed to increasing the amount of days in which to fast. some people can go for 5 days fasting but if you find it difficult, try snacking on days in between on light foods such as vegetables, soups, fruits or juices then fast the following day, eventually, your body will become adapted to fasting easier.
  

The right foods

• A proper yoga diet comprises of the following
• Wholemeal bread
• cereals
• Yogurt
• fresh fruit
• fresh veg
• pastas, potatoes and rice
• fruit juices
• milk
• seeds
• nuts and lintels
• cheese
• butter
• herbs
• honey
• wholemeal foods.

Despite beliefs and suspicions from meat eaters, vegetarians actually have a better balance diet than if they were meat eaters themselves. Everything a vegetarian eats has all the vital ingredients, not all vegetarian food is uninteresting, bland or dull. compared to meat eaters, vegetarians have a lower track record of heart diseases, cancer, kidney diseases and stroke, their Resistance to such diseases are stronger also, cases of obesity is lower in vegetarians than meat eaters.

I hope this has been of use to you. If you wish to know more please visit our web page on the yoga book or if you would like your company or a group to get involved with yoga then go see our corporate page. also have a look at the yoga CD

Yoga and relaxation.

Yoga and relaxation

Relaxation is one of the five main principles in Yoga and is as vital as the other four, when practiced properly the effects are rewarding. There are three areas in which to concentrate on becoming completely relaxed, I will go a little more into depth explaining their effects shortly. They are physical relaxation, mental relaxation and Spiritual relaxation, all are obtainable and very beneficial for a healthier, happier mind, body and spirit.

Many people have forgotten the importance of relaxing, it is natures way of recharging the bodies batteries. Watching T.V. or reading the News paper, drinking a cup of tea or hot chocolate maybe even listening to music, these are ways to relax physically but what about the mind? Is it racing with thoughts flitting in and out? When the mind is restless the body is unable to ease, free your thoughts to quiet the mind. Are you spiritually at ease? Like the mind, if your thoughts are unsettled or ugly, the body cannot obtain complete peace. To be truly relaxed you need to have the ability to practice all three areas.

Here are a few tips on how to practice towards better relaxation.

Physical relaxation: This exercise is known as the corpse pose. Lie on your back, steady your breathing, make it regular, slow and deep,imagine if you can a wave of relaxation starting off in the toes, imagine they are warm and heavy. Allow this feeling to slowly spread up and throughout the feet, ankles, the shins and into the knees. Let the sensation sink deep into the skin and further still into the bones. Allow the feeling to continue up into the thighs, hips waist and stomach, the lower half of your body should be feeling totally relaxed and heavy, this is good. Continue to spread this wave of relaxation up, around and throughout the upper part of the body, slowly, concentrating on your breathing, focusing on the body parts you want to relax. You may find that by the time you have reached your arms,
there is a sense of peaceful numbness in your lower half, this is what you want. Now allow your thoughts to concentrate on your right hand and arm, moving slowly up
and across the shoulders into the left hand and arm, feel the tingling in your fingers as they rest. Focus on the tension flowing away from your body as you continue to breath deep and slow, feel the warmth travel into your neck, your face, the back and finally onto the top of your head. feel your body as it lies safe on the ground. When you have finished you will not find any tension, you will be completely relaxed.

Mental relaxation: It is almost impossible to relax if your mental state is unstable or uneasy. The mind can become overloaded because of a variety of stimulants.
The mind when troubled, or worried can cause physical fatigue, by worrying we use a lot of energy, but it is not the kind of energy that results on relaxation, it is an energy that drains us, often leading to tension which uses more energy than physical work. It is important each day to set aside a little time to release tension, to allow the mind to unwind. In times of mental stress, try to concentrate on your breathing, breath slow and rhythmically just for several minutes, this breathing method will require conscious effort, but enable you to home in on your thought patterns to calm your busy mind, leading to an inner peace which coincides with the physical relaxation.

Spiritual relaxation: When I mention spiritual relaxation, I am referring to the inner self at ease, which is often followed by finely tuning physical and mental relaxation. To me, reaching a spiritual relaxation is realizing that true happiness comes from within, that you and you alone can bring peace to your soul through your own spiritual beliefs and feelings.

I hope this has been of some use to you.

You can find more about how to relaxation correctly for a healthier mind and body in the book "The Sivananda Yoga Training Manual". A comprehensive booklet outlining the five principles of yoga. You will find the Yoga book

If your workforce could do with healthier lifestyles you may consider Corporate Yoga for your workplace. Also take a look at the Yoga CD