Stress’ is a reality, a bitter truth of chemical imbalances in our brains that has adverse effects on our body which can be measured, analyzed and dissected on scientific parameters; says Muhammad Shahnawaz, a renowned trainer in the domain of ‘Learning and Personality Development’ these days.
It was a hot day relatively, so we had found refuge under a tree; sipping tea accompanied by the koels chirping above us.
Muhammad Shahnawaz highlights that ‘headaches’ are of various types, of which one kind is directly linked to depression and stress. Mental stress also affects the working of the human heart and if an individual complains of having such issues, it should be taken seriously.
Mr Shahnawaz says that stress has certain foreshadowing indicators and signs, of which ‘self-talk’ is a notable one. When our hopes and aspirations are not fulfilled as per our expectations, it results in mental stress and our thoughts become the guiding factors of our psychological state. We can tackle mental stress via positive self-talk such as reassuring oneself with arguments such as; ‘it’s okay if I failed today, I’ll fulfil my goal/objective tomorrow’.
The Power of ‘Questions’
Muhammad Shahnawaz holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and Linguistics and is a practitioner of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). He contends that the human mind continuously questions everything; when we say that we can’t do something, our mind then focuses on finding the reasons why we couldn’t achieve that certain thing/objective in the future. And when we say that ‘we can do this’ our mind then tries to find the answers regarding ‘how that certain goal/objective can be achieved’.
Citing renowned English poet John Milton, Muhammad Shahnawaz argues that our mind has the power to change one’s perception to the extent that one interprets/experiences this world as Eden and inferno alike. Mental stress is all about an individual’s state of mind, if only we learn to ‘switch’ it, we can significantly reduce the intensity of mental stress and its resulting side-effects, says Shahnawaz.
What To Do When Subjected To Mental Stress?
Mr Shahnawaz recommends using ‘the power of imagination’ to tackle mental stress. His advice is to use one’s imagination to create a serene scenery that incorporates peace and tranquillity in order to counter mental stress.
To this the question arose that such peace is only ‘imaginary’; to which Mr Shahnawaz said ‘yes’ and so are our troubles and mental stress, he argued.
What Is Success?
According to Muhammad Shahnawaz, every individual interprets ‘success’ as per his own understanding and intellect. ‘Purpose’ is what’s important, he says. What do you want from your life? The end of one’s journey matters the most as it decides the eventual outcome of one’s story; the success of one’s youth is in fact superseded and overshadowed by life’s overall success, says Mr Shahnawaz.
Muhammad Shahnawaz is an instructor of English literature and Linguistics. He has been associated with various varsities in the capacity of visiting faculty. He is also a certified trainer from a US-based institute on the issue of ‘Learning’, and has held several workshops for staff and security personnel in prisons.
Translated By: Saad Bin Aziz Ahmed