Benefits of Yoga #139

Today I had a good friend going through a bad time. In an email she wrote today about her horrific week she finished with the following:
"I did go to yoga last night and it helped me so much! It's amazing what power it has to calm the mind."

I love hearing about people's experiences with yoga. The practice has been shown not only to "calm the mind" but also calm our stress levels as well. When we are under a lot of pressure from work, school, family, or other personal issues, our body constantly stays in "Fight or Flight." (Remember that phrase from high school or college biology?) In more scientific terms it refers to the response of the body's sympathetic nervous system. When a stressful situation is present, the body releases hormones, namely adrenaline and cortisol, which signal us to be on emergency mode. Our heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate all increase. Our muscles contract, blood flow decreases to the abdomen, and the immune system response is decreased. Can you imagine feeling like that all the time? Perhaps you already do.

Yoga does just the opposite. Instead of exciting the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic system is sparked. Instead of stress, relaxation. Energy is conserved, rather than expended.

The asanas, or postures provide us with repetitive moment. This allows us to focus on our body rather than our head.
The pranayama, or breathing patterns, emphasize and encourage deep and full breath. This counteracts short, upper chest breathing that can be harmful for the heart and lungs.
Meditating, or JUST BEING SILENT A FEW MINUTES, as a profound effect on your mood, thought pattern, and energy level. If you don't believe me try leaving shutting off your TV, phone, IPOD, and radio for a few minutes. Try it. Don’t be scared that Silence is too loud for you.

Most of us stay busy constantly. I would not say that is a bad thing. To be busy can be very fulfilling. But depending on your needs, your body may be asking for a daily or weekly dose of rejuvenation. Yoga is the perfect prescription.

Not to say that a fast paced vinyasa yoga flow class can’t be good medicine for stress….
but that is for another post.