Stay positive in a turbulent world
To remain stress-free is a tall order in current times (“Stress is the food for cancer, so stay positive and smile, says Filipina”, Gulf News, October 31). The world has become so cut-throat in every sphere that even children are beginning to feel the effects of it. I guess this explains the explosion of yoga, meditation and rejuvenation centres across the globe. These mediums do aid tremendously in releasing stress, but at the end of the day, the onus is on the individual to manage the stress in his/her daily life. Unless we make a paradigm shift in our lifestyle, stress is here to stay. Now, whether it is a leading cause of cancer; that is debatable. It is an absolutely wonderful thought to approach life on a positive note. So a thumping salute to all you lovely people who have discovered the secret of living a positive, content life.
From Ms Shama Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
How stress works
My upbringing taught me early in life that women are the fulcrum around which other family members move, and with their resilience, they should be able to absorb the pain of everyone they love. I too, prided myself in being the ‘Superwoman’ that I thought I was. Looking after my child and carrying on with other everyday chores, while maintaining a decent job, was indeed not a great burden on me. My greatest enemy was overthinking. Various life events added to my insecurities. The loss of a child stood out as the iceberg of my issues. Despite having led a healthy lifestyle, I was finally diagnosed with cancer. In the midst of my chemotherapy sessions, I realised that it was nothing but stress that made me a prey to cancer. I used to worry, not only for myself, but also for the ones I loved.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
Get rid of it
We live in a world where technology is the oxygen and mental peace is the carbon dioxide for our bodies. Technology has replaced the need to be physically close to loved ones, while the absence of peace of mind is the new normal. In short, we live with stress. Stress is a traumatising state of mind, which feeds on anxiety, pressure and emotional disturbances. It leaves behind a vulnerable body and mind, which is more prone to diseases. Few reasons for stress are financial worry, peer pressure, and demanding work places. With a demanding lifestyle and a competitive environment, our lives get stressful day after day, without us even realising it. We somehow manage to justify our stress levels to keep up with the rat race. Although I think stress initially begins with a mood swing, it slowly affects one’s state of mind and graduates into irreparable damage to the body’s defence mechanism, and invites diseases like cancer. On the contrary, an emotionally content mind strengthens the immune system.
From Ms Taqleed Syed
Abu Dhabi
Seek help from family
Almost everyone, in any part of the world, is shocked and frightened when diagnosed with cancer. To be optimistic and positive is a necessity for survival. Many onlookers have a different attitude to convey their anxiety, which is through harsh and painful words. To stay with a smile, with the help and support from your family and friends, along with God’s grace, brings fruitful results. The advanced medical field, with its evolving technology, is praiseworthy.
From Ms Annie Rathi Samuel
USA
Be mindful to cope
Whoever said the main reason for any health ailment is not about what you carry in your stomach, but what you carry in your mind, was absolutely correct. For such reasons, it’s important that we need not carry any unwanted burdens at the back of our minds. Meditation, these days, has come into the mainstream for such reasons. It is important, because we need to switch off our body and brain. Keeping your emotions in control, even if you are in the worst of conditions, not only builds you up as a human being, but also keeps you healthy. Just like how trash kept inside the house starts to rot, giving off a bad smell, the same way, any tension in the mind starts to rot, to the extent of becoming cancerous. Before things get out of your reach, cure yourself.
From Ms Sudha Kathuria
Dubai
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
