Too much stress is the big obstacle that stands in the way a well-balanced life. This stress leaves many of us tired and drained, and can lead to depression or illness if left unchecked. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that up to 90% of doctor visits in the USA are caused by a stress-related illness.
The negative effects of stress in our life include headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, bodily pain, weakened immune system, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, depression and a myriad other conditions.
Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist from Harvard, discovered a method for eliciting the relaxation response based on the structure Transcendental Meditation. It’s a form of concentration meditation which can be personalized to your individual needs.
The Relaxation Response is a natural response that you can generate which reduces the effect of stress on your body and mind. The techniques that elicit the Relaxation Response help you be in control of your mental and physical state. This means that, even when something stressful happens, you will be able to respond in a way that dramatically shortens the duration of the generated stress and also minimizes the negative emotions caused by that stress.