Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It originated in India and has since spread all over the world. Yoga contributes greatly to our physical and mental health. And one of the many benefits of practising yoga is its ability to help reduce stress. Here, Romik Yeghnazary explains how yoga can help reduce stress.
Being a financial expert, I have had to juggle various roles and responsibilities at a time. However, yoga has become my powerful tool in helping to reduce stress and stay on top of my game, Romik Yeghnazary says. Romik Yeghnazary is the founder of Lending Arena, an organisation providing loan solutions.
Life is not always all rosy. The busy schedule, a breakup with loved ones, financial struggles, making life decisions- there are a lot to deal with! That is why stress is always there and it has become a natural part of life. However, chronic stress can have negative effects on the body and mind. It can lead to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. That’s why it is crucial to find effective ways to manage stress.
Yoga goes beyond stretching and making bizarre poses, Romik Yeghnazary says. It is an excellent stress management tool. It combines physical movement, breathin, meditation and mindfulness to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Here are some ways that yoga works against stress:
Reduces Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a hormone that the body produces in response to stress. It is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” When cortisol levels are too high for too long, it can lead to a range of health problems. Yoga has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which helps to reduce stress.
A study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that practising yoga for just 12 minutes a day for eight weeks reduced cortisol levels in participants. The study also found that the participants reported lower levels of perceived stress and anxiety.
Promotes Relaxation
Yoga promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system responsible for the “rest and digest” response. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it slows down the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body.
Yoga also involves relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation, which further promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Improves Sleep Quality
Stress can disrupt sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Poor sleep quality can then lead to more stress, creating a vicious cycle. Yoga has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
A study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that practising yoga for eight weeks significantly improved sleep quality in participants with insomnia. The participants reported falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and feeling more rested upon waking.
Enhances Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgement. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Yoga involves mindfulness by focusing on the breath and the present moment during the practice. This helps to quiet the mind and reduce the impact of stressful thoughts and emotions.
Increases Physical Activity
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Yoga is a form of physical activity that can be done at any fitness level. It involves a range of poses and movements that can be adapted to individual needs and abilities.
Practising yoga regularly can help to increase physical activity levels, which can in turn reduce stress and improve overall health.
Cultivates a Sense of Community
Yoga is often practised in a group setting, which can create a sense of community and support. This social connection can be beneficial for reducing stress and improving mental health.
Research has shown that social support can help to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and mind. Practising yoga in a group setting can provide social support and a sense of belonging, which can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Yoga Poses to Help Reduce Stress
Romik Yeghnazary swears by these 3 yoga poses to help you reduce stress.
Easy Pose: Sit up straight and cross your legs. Place your hands on your knees. Let your head, neck, spine be in alignment. Then, sit still, think about your breathing and be internally present.
Balasana: Extend your hips to the heels, the arms should be overhead and the palms on the floor. Breathe slowly and deeply to get you focused inwardly.
Legs up the wall: Place your knees straight on the wall with your hips against the wall. Place your hand on the floor beside you and relax your body.
Conclusion
You have seen the reasons why you need to make yoga a part of your daily routine to keep stress at bay. The good thing is you don’t need to be an expert to practise yoga. There are simple poses that can be beneficial for your body and mind. It can also be carried out anytime, anywhere- whether at night, during a lunch break or the wee hours of the day.
“You also don’t need to be stressed out before you get started on yoga. Studies find out people who practise yoga even for a few minutes in the day are better able to handle life craziness when they come knocking,” Romik Yeghnazary concludes.
