Yoga for Stress

Overview of Yoga: Many of the popular techniques found to reduce stress derive from yoga:

controlled breathing
meditation
physical movement
mental imagery
stretching

Yoga’s Effects On the Body: The following is only a partial list of yoga’s benefits:

reduced stress
sound sleep
reduced cortisol levels
allergy and asthma symptom relief
lower blood pressure
smoking cessation help
lower heart rate
spiritual growth
sense of well-being
reduced anxiety and muscle tension
increased strength and flexibility
slowed aging process

What’s Involved With Yoga?: The practice of yoga involves stretching the body and forming different poses, while keeping breathing slow and controlled. The body becomes relaxed and energized at the same time. There are various styles of yoga, some moving through the poses more quickly, almost like an aerobic workout, and other styles relaxing deeply into each pose. Some have a more spiritual angle, while others are used purely as a form of exercise.

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?: Virtually everyone can see physical benefits from yoga, and its practice can also give psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and a sense of well-being, and spiritual benefits, such as a feeling of connectedness with God or Spirit, or a feeling of transcendence. Certain poses can be done just about anywhere and a yoga program can go for hours or minutes, depending on one’s schedule.