YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF

We all have a built-in stress response system, which relies on activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the release of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Whenever we face a difficult and demanding situation the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) gets activated almost immediately. As SNS gets activated, blood pressure surges up, raising the heartbeat, suring blood sugar level, boosting blood circulation in upper & lower torso. This gives rise to a flight or fight mechanism.

A balanced Stress response system gets activated as soon as the difficult and demanding situation has passed away. This gives rise to relaxation & restoration, activating the Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), blood pressure, heart beat, blood sugar level are normalized.

 In order to lead a healthy & fulfilling life in the modern time, its imperative to have a balanced stress response system.

The current sedentary life style & challenges faced every day at work and home activates the SNS, & PNS frequently and unhealthy and unbalanced stress response system can lead to mental, physical and psychological imbalances.

These stress related imbalances are the major cause of type 2 diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis(MS) and rheumatoid arthritis and may cause cancer.

One of the major causes of obesity is stress related eating & is a major concern for children, who may end up overweight for life.

The list below summarizes the ways stress can undermine health.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF STRESS

Definition of yoga by Sage Patanjali

“Yogah citta vritti nirodhah”

means Yoga is a means to end the disturbances of the mind.

The definition itself reveals that regular practice of Yoga will help in balancing & strengthening the stress response system.

Yoga emphasizes on Savasana (dead corpse pose) for complete relaxation of body & mind.

Yoga Nindra is a guided meditation, which helps in complete relaxation and rejuvenation of all the muscles & the joints of the body and calming the mind.

Pranayama specially Nadi Shuddhi (alternate Nostril breathing) helps to balance the breath and regulates harmony& peacefulness of the mind and resulting in a healthy Stress Response system.

Yogic Kriyas, Anunasika (right and left nostril breathing) helps to regulate SNS & PNS giving and making the stress response system more spontaneous and balanced.