Stress In Our Modern World-Why We Need Yoga For Stress Relief!
Why yoga for stress relief? As our world gets more and more complex and the flow of information continues to speed up with newer and faster technology, people's stress levels are definitely on the rise. Computers, cell-phones, pagers and fax machines keep us connected and on-call 24 hours a day seven days a week. There seems to be no escaping the information overload as we multi-task our way through our days. This combined with all the other demands competing for our time: the kids need to be driven to practice, your boss wants the report by 5:00 PM, and your spouse is wondering what's for dinner, is the perfect recipe for stress overload. As our minds race to keep up tension builds in our bodies, leaving us feeling mentally overwhelmed and physically depleted.
When times are most stressful, we may stop doing the things that nourish us and engage in unhealthy behaviors. We may overeat and/or fail to eat well; we may not get enough sleep, we may even become dependent on alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine to power us through our days.
Is it any wonder that we need yoga for stress relief? According to The National Mental Health Association, 75 to 95 percent of all doctor visits are stress related. Stress has been linked to many health conditions and illnesses including chronic headaches, backaches, weight gain, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, ulcers, insomnia, some types of diabetes, some autoimmune diseases, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and heart disease. Common psychological responses to stress include anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, and decreased ability to concentrate and retain information.
What exactly is stress? What we refer to as 'stress' is actually the body's natural response to a perceived physical or psychological threat that causes a chain reaction of chemical and hormonal changes in the body, commonly referred to as the 'flight or fight' response.
Adrenaline and cortisol are released into the blood stream, heart rate increases, blood pressure goes up, pumping more blood to the heart and muscles and shutting down all non-essential functions.
This reaction is important to self-preservation and can protect us in dangerous situations. However, when the stress response becomes habitually engaged because of chronic physical and/or mental stress, the entire body suffers leading to depression of the immune system, weakening of the entire body, and ultimately disease.
How Does Yoga Help Relieve Stress? The benefits of exercise in diminishing the stress response are widely touted. A host of studies points to the benefits of such exercise. Yoga, a form of mind-body exercise, with its various postures designed to stretch and strengthen the body, controlled breathing exercises and guided relaxation components has become a popular method for stress management.
Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief
Improved muscular strength and flexibility while releasing stored muscular tension
Increased blood circulation and oxygen uptake
Focused attention as you concentrate on moving your body helps the cares and worries of your busy day literally fade away
Increased relaxation
Improved sleep
Increased energy
Increased coping skills
Decreased production of stress hormones
Increased feeling of well-being
Increased endorphin ('feel good' hormones) production
Improved mood
Increased self-confidence
Improved digestion and elimination
Developing you Yoga for Stress Relief Practice Every successful exercise program, including yoga for stress relief, begins with a few simple steps.
Consult With Your Doctor Before getting started with yoga for stress relief, consult with your health care provider, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other risk factors.
Start Slowly Build your yoga for stress relief practice gradually. Early enthusiasm can lead to overdoing it and even injury. If you begin your program slowly, the chances are better that you'll stick with it.
Find A Class, Teacher, or Style Of Yoga You Love There are lots different styles of yoga being taught, from very gently to extremely vigorous. Find what resonates with you. If you are in good physical shape and want something challenging Bikram, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or Power may be for you. If you want to work gently and move slowly, look for a class labeled Gentle, Basics, Anusara, Restorative, or Viniyoga.
Pick A Time And Stick To It Dedicating some time to practice every day will help you make your yoga program an ongoing priority. Let a routine develop.
Create A Quiet and Comfortable Place To Practice This may include asking for cooperation from others to ensure that you will not be disturbed.
Be Gentle Do not push yourself or try too hard. Be gentle and persistent in your efforts, not overzealous or forceful.
Be Patient Trust in your self and in the process, allowing your practice to develop. Bring your attention back to what is happening in each moment instead of focusing on some preconceived goal or expected result. It takes time but it is worth it.
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