Akshay Kumar’s Easy Mantra for Staying Calm and Stress-Free For a Healthy Body and Mind

Akshay Kumar’s name is synonymous with discipline and ethics. Apart from his fitness regime, Akshay also brings the same regulation and routine to his work and life, trying to balance the two. However,

for him, a healthy and happy life is one without stress. Since stress has become an integral part of our daily routine, it seems to be difficult to part ways. But Akshay’s formula can do the trick. The 58-year-old says simplicity in life is the mantra to be stress-free. “The most amazing thing in my life is simplicity. Make your life completely simple. Don't take complications. Don't take stress," Akshay recently said during The Great Indian Kapil Show, warning that stress is a "bad disease" that spares no one. Sharing his own humble beginnings, Akshay recalled, "I used to live in a small bedroom where 24 people stayed together. I know what it's like to face money problems and relationship problems. Everyone is equal in that way. But the idea is to keep your life simple.”

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What is stress?

Stress is your body's natural response to mental and physical pressure from challenges or demands. According to experts, even though a small amount of stress can be beneficial for motivation and performance, too much leads to a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral problems – including chronic health issues. Chronic stress is long-term and goes on for weeks or months. You may experience chronic stress due to marriage troubles, issues at work, or even financial problems. Doctors say it is important to find ways to manage chronic conditions, as they can be deadly.

How does stress affect your body?

Stress can completely control your body’s autonomic nervous system, which means your heart rate, breathing, and even vision. It’s built-in stress response – the “fight-or-flight response” can help your body face stressful situations. But long-term stress leads to many physical and mental health issues, including:

• Aches and pains
• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing
• Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
• Headaches and dizziness
• High blood pressure levels
• Muscle tension or jaw clenching
• Digestive issues
• Weak immunity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks

What causes stress?

Stress makes your body react to a change or challenge and can be caused by many different things. Also, stressors can be positive or negative. A few causes include:

• An illness or the death of a loved one
• Marriage, separation, or divorce.
• Financial problems
• Moving to a new house
• Going on vacation
• Having a baby
• Retiring
• Getting ready for a work presentation.
• Having an argument
• Experiencing many small problems all at once, like getting in a traffic jam, spilling coffee all over yourself, and running late

Complications that stress causes

Stress leads to many long-term health complications that affect your:

• Immune system disorders like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and psoriasis
• The digestive system, which includes weight gain or loss, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome
• Heart issues like blood pressure and increased heart rate
• Reproductive system infections and PCOD in women