How to Use Yoga to Manage Your Stress
Take a moment to think about everything you’ve done in the last 24 hours. Just a little longer. Ok, did you break out a sweat just thinking about all the things you’ve done, or still have to do? We did too. How do you manage your stress? Do you just keep on going, hoping it’ll go away?
Here at Yogis on the Go, we use yoga. A few years ago, a German study of 24 women who described themselves as “emotionally distressed” took two 90 minute yoga classes a week for three months. Women in a control group maintained their normal activities and were asked not to begin an exercise or stress-reduction program during the study period. At the end of the three months, women in the yoga group reported improvements in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, energy, fatigue and well- being. Depression scores improved by 50%, anxiety scores by 30% and overall well being scores by 65%. Initial complaints of headaches, back pain and poor sleep quality also resolved much more often in the yoga group than in the control group.
Here at Yogis on the Go, we use yoga. A few years ago, a German study of 24 women who described themselves as “emotionally distressed” took two 90 minute yoga classes a week for three months. Women in a control group maintained their normal activities and were asked not to begin an exercise or stress-reduction program during the study period. At the end of the three months, women in the yoga group reported improvements in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, energy, fatigue and well- being. Depression scores improved by 50%, anxiety scores by 30% and overall well being scores by 65%. Initial complaints of headaches, back pain and poor sleep quality also resolved much more often in the yoga group than in the control group.
How amazing is that? Not only is yoga a great workout, but it eases the mind.
Many of us were professionals, who had strenuous office jobs. And while many of us still work in both arenas, we now know how to manage our stress. By falling in love with yoga, we experienced the same things the women in the study. Vinyasa, the preferred yoga practice at Yogis On The Go, has a slower pace and easier movements (P.S. If you want to read more about why we choose to practice this style, check it out). There are three key components to our classes:
1. Poses.
Not only are our poses designed to increase strength and flexibility, and are tailored to your level of fitness, but they are designed to reduce your stress. I know, maybe that sounds ridiculous, how can a pose help reduce your stress? But, these poses are designed to help you relax. The movements are gentle, and by slowing stretching your body, you’re also restoring and calming your mind.
2. Breathing.
It is said that a yogi measures the span of life by the number of breaths, not by the number of years. So, it would only make sense that controlling your breathing during yoga is extremely important. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind. How you might ask? Well, if you’re concentrating on each breath, and each moment, you are in the present. The effect this has is incredible. You are able to let go of the past, and the future, and just focus on the right now. And, during yoga there’s nothing to stress about.
3. Meditation or relaxation.
In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or relaxation. Meditation may help you learn to be more mindful and aware of the present moment. This moment of meditation is a moment to just be still. You’ll find that it will have an incredible impact on both your physical and emotional state.
Physically meditation can help:
● Lower high blood pressure
● Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
● Decreases any tensionrelated pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers,
insomnia, muscle and joint problems
● Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
● Improves the immune system
● Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy
Emotionally, meditation can help:
● Anxiety decreases
● Emotional stability improves
● Creativity increases
● Happiness increases
● Intuition develops
● Gain clarity and peace of mind
● Problems become smaller
And, honestly, who wouldn’t want these effects?? If you’re ready to commit to a more balanced lifestyle, more mental clarity and focus, reduced stress, improve overall health and well being, then we want to you talk to you about the benefits of yoga, on your terms and your turf. Please contact us any time and connect with us on Facebook.