It seems most of us experience an overload of stress these days, stress that compromises our health and happiness. And stress is not only just the pressure that we feel when we have too much to do in not enough time. That is only one form. We also experience emotional stress, worrying about too many things, having an argument, losing a loved one. We experience biological, chemical and physical stresses as well, from fighting off the common cold to dealing with pollution, allergens, traffic, sitting too long at the computer, changing weather conditions etc. Any illness or dis-ease is also a form of stress.

Stress can be caused in one area and show up in other areas. If we are mentally stressed at work, it affects us emotionally and physically in our bodies.


Here are 3 effective ways of immediately reducing your stress, just give yourself permission to take a little break, right now.

1. Simple Ahhhhhh Breathing

Sit up straight, right now, wherever you are. Relax your shoulders. Inhale deeply through your nose, count to 3 while inhaling. Hold the breath inside for a moment, and relax your shoulders further.

Now, count to 6 as you exhale and make a nice Ahhhhhh sound, the sound of release, the sound of letting go. Keep relaxing your shoulders while you exhale. Now, do it 3 or more times with your eyes closed, breathing deeper each time, both on breathing in, and on breathing out.

The sequence is -
a. Inhale through the nose, count to 3
b. Hold your breath in & relax your shoulders.
c. Release the breath through the mouth
d. with a big Ahhhhhhh,
e. Shoulders relaxed, counting to 6.
f. Listen and feel the Ahhhhhhh sound vibration.

2.Simple Stretching (In-Your-Seat)

When we feel tired, our intuitive response is to go lie down and rest. Of course, this is often a good idea! However, you will find that if you do a little stretching, you will feel better, instantly.

So right here, wherever you are, without getting up off your seat - lift your arms over your head. Take a deep breath. Now first, let your arms and body do what ever they want to do. Remember, breathing means both breathing in and breathing out!

Now place one arm either on the arm of your chair or on your lap. Lift and reach your other arm up to the ceiling. Breathe in, hold for a moment, stay relaxed keep your arm up, and breathe out with a nice Ahhhhhh.
After you exhale - then stretch and reach the arm up a little more for a good stretch.
Switch sides, breathe in and out, and then stretch again. Always remember to stretch after the exhalation.

The sequence is -
a. Right arm on chair arm or lap, lift left arm up.
b. Take a full breath in and out, big 'Ahhhhhh'
c. After exhalation, stretch up further, comfortably.
d. Switch sides and repeat sequence.

3.Head-Clearing Humming Breathing

This simple technique will clear your head like a fresh breeze on a hot day! Just like children cover their ears with their hands and make a noise when they don't want to listen, we can do something similar to clear the head. (In this practice inhale and exhale through the nose.)

Just take one finger on each hand, plug up your ears. Take a deep breath counting to 3. Pause for a moment, and then make a humming sound as you slowly exhale through the nose, counting to 6. Feel and listen to the vibration within your head. Do this 3 times, eyes closed.
We are using the powerful healing vibrations of sound. Use your awareness, listen to the sound with full attention.

The sequence is -
a. Plug up your ears.
b. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes.
c. Hum deeply while you exhale through the nose.
d. Feel the vibration. Keep your eyes closed.

(If you feel any dizziness, just sit back and breathe slowly with your eyes closed for a moment and rest.)

Once you see how simple these practices are, you can easily take 3-5 minutes and really give yourself a little break that will leave you relaxed, refreshed, energized and less stressed. Then it is easier to open our heart and be kind, loving, compassionate, intelligent, effective and awesome person!

One of the main reasons why we at ORGANIC INDIA cultivate the sacred Tulsi plant and make Tulsi Tea is because it has so many incredible qualities; foremost among them is Tulsi's ability to help us reduce stress. So another very enjoyable technique to reduce stress is to drink a cup of Tulsi Tea.

Please let us at ORGANIC INDIA know how we can better serve your needs. Please email your questions, and we'll try to feature them in our next newsletter.