You cannot be stressed unless you know the person, place or the situation. The same situation may or may not cause stress unless it is interpreted in such a way that it is uncomfortable to the person, and then it ends up causing stress.

Management of stress, therefore, involves either removing the known situation or changing one’s interpretation or preparing the body in such a way that the stress does not affect mind and the body. But, removing the known situation may not be possible all the time. For example, if you are stressful in a job, resigning may not be feasible.

The modality, therefore, is to change your interpretation towards the stressful situation i.e. start thinking positively and different and choose the resultant options within, which do not hurt the heart.

Changing of the interpretation is what in allopathy is described as cognitive behavior therapy, the origin of which comes from Ayurveda and in Bhagawad Gita where Lord Krishna counsels Arjuna following principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

In the first chapter, Lord Krishna only listens to Arjuna indicating the importance of listening, listening and listening. The second counseling session or the second chapter is the longest conversation between Arjuna and Krishna and shows the importance of first effective counseling session. From 3rd to 17th chapters, Krishna explains what he has conveyed in chapter 2 and this tells us the importance of reasoning out every doubt that a person under stress has. During this session, Krishna creates both fear as well as consoles Arjuna again indicating the importance of these two factors in counseling. In the last chapter, Krishna revises what he has taught, which is consistent with the last rule of counseling to make sure that the patient has learnt what has been taught to him.

Apart from counseling, one can also prepare the body in such a way that stress does not bother him. This can be done by learning the art of pranayam, relaxation, meditation, regular exercise, Dosh-specific diet and using certain Ayurvedic Rasayans, which sterilize the brain functions. Brahmi, an Ayurvedic herb, is one such Rasayan, which boosts the brain.

Avoid taking allopathic anti–anxiety drugs, unless necessary which, of course, may be required in an acute panic state.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are my own).