What are the benefits of yoga practice in relation to stress? Yoga has long been believed to be the most comprehensive whole body fitness regime around. But it is the beneficial side effects that are of real value to the individual. Practicing yoga tones the body, stimulates the nervous system to work more effectively, aids digestion and increases flexibility. However it also works on a deeper level of mental and emotional health by creating a new level of mindfulness that leaves the individual feeling calm, relaxed and more at ease.
There are several hormones and chemicals within the body that are linked to stress. Most of these originate from one area- the adrenal gland. The most important and well known hormone is cortisol. This hormone can alter the immune system’s response and also suppress the digestive tract, normal growth processes and the entire reproductive system.
Stress can also lead to emotional and mental issues. It will negatively impact one’s emotions and can lead to depression and other mental imbalances. It has been shown to cause moodiness, irritability and general unhappiness. Those that experience high stress levels often report feeling overwhelmed, lonely and isolated as well as unable to physically relax. This can lead to insomnia and a complete body crisis.
The causes of stress are many and may vary from one individual to another. This is because people cope with different situations with varying levels of ability. What may stress one person may not stress another. Externally stress may result from work issues, a challenging financial situation, family or other relationship conflicts. It may be a combination of some of these. Many people find the greatest cause of stress is that there is too much to do in too little time. However some people stress due to internal conflict. This is any situation that deals with how an individual feels about himself and his ability to cope in certain situations.
The benefits of yoga practice give your body a designated time to relax in what can often be a hectic life. It improves muscle strength as well as blood circulation which in turn works to detoxify the body’s major organs. The calming effect brought on by deep breathing and the meditative state often experienced throughout and almost always at the end of a yogic session stabilises the autonomic nervous system which works to bring about more balance within the body. Not only will yoga work to balance the body and combat the effects of stress but it may also expand the individual’s consciousness allowing them to see where they can prevent further stress within their life.
The full boat pose, or Paripuna Navasana, works in much the same manner as the Bridge asana. By stimulating the organs and strengthening and stretching the spine and hips, this pose supports stress relief as well as improving the sense of balance. Another asana that focuses on healthy balance is the extended triangle pose or Utthita Trikonasana. By opening up the chest and shoulder area it works to release pent up emotions and relieves backache and shoulder stiffness. This can help as stress can lead to tight, taut and painful muscle tension.
Mentally, the benefits of yoga practice work on helping the individual to relax, using breathing techniques to effectively quiet the mind and bring the focus to holding an asana, not worrying over anything else but the pose and the execution of it. So mindfully yoga teaches one to focus positive energy. Becoming more mindful of situations gives an individual the ability to choose how he or she may perceive a stressful situation. On one hand, it may be something to become anxious over, on the other it may be seen as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Besides the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of Yoga practice espoused by Yoga practitioners and devotees Western medicine is now jumping on the bandwagon. With many studies now coming to light, like the recent Deakin University Study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, doctors are now referring patients in need of lifestyle changes to local Yoga studios in the hope that Yoga, not pharmaceutical drugs, can assist them in relieving the symptoms of stress. Many parents are also now advocating the practice for their children, where it has been introduced into many schools as a sporting activity and to help children learn to focus and calm their minds prior to exams and other stressful situations.
References:
“6 Yoga Poses for Stress Management and to Increase Energy – Prevention.com.” 6 Yoga Poses for Stress Management and to Increase Energy – Prevention.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.
“Doctor Says Yoga May Be Prescription For Better Health.” Science Daily. Science Daily, 26 Dec. 2002. Web. 15 July 2012.
“Europe PubMed Central.” Role of Yoga in Stress Management. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
“Stress Symptoms, Signs and Causes.” Stress Symptoms, Signs & Causes: Effects of Stress Overload. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012.
“Study: Yoga Helps Prevent Stress, Depression, and Anxiety.” Resources for Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, and Natural Remedies. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
“Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Whole Body.” Fox News. FOX News Network, 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
Brooke Olive is a certified yoga teacher. She teaches yoga sessions in Yanchep, Western Australia.
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