Yoga for Stress Management

Cortisol and Adrenaline are released when we need to do a simple physical activity and also when the body needs to respond to stress / threat. Once the stressor has passed, the hormones are removed from the bloodstream. But when we are in continuous (even low level) stress, the body stays in ‘stress mode’ and keeps releasing stress hormones to the bloodstream. This stress or a traumatic incident are imprinted in the body and mind and over time can cause inflammation in the body and can lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and PTSD, irritable bowl syndrome and type 2 diabetes. 

Our resilience to stress is determined by the way we deal with stress, and how quickly we can go back to equilibrium of the nervous system.

Like any other physical exercise, yoga practice eliminates excess adrenaline and cortisol, but it’s added value is that in a yoga practice, we also access the nervous system and can bring it back to balance and steadiness. 

Studies show that even moderate amount of yoga practice can reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, reduce occurrences of asthma attacks, improve cardiovascular health, strength and posture and so on. 

A good enough reason to get on a yoga mat?