How Yoga Reduces Stress Effectively and Gently
In a Life Full of Stress, the Practice of Yoga can be a Lifesaver
Oct 9, 2009
Yoga and variations on yoga have become popular exercise routines, known for reducing stress while stretching and toning the body. Yoga reduces stress by working on several different levels – physical, of course, but also mental, emotional, and even spiritual – to calm the body and mind. The result is significant stress reduction and better overall health.
Yoga Works to Regain Physical Health
Obviously, there is a very physical aspect to the practice of yoga, which is part of what makes it such an appealing workout. During yoga, participants practice certain poses which stretch the muscles and make joints more limber. A good stretch is relaxing to most people, so yoga, which focuses on stretching every part of the body, naturally constitutes physical relaxation.
However, yoga goes beyond basic stretching to stretch and limber the body in specific ways. Many of the poses associated with yoga actually compress some part of the body, which restricts blood flow to that area. When the pose is relaxed, fresh blood rushes to the deprived area to re-oxygenate it. The result of performing yoga regularly is a greater ability to process oxygen and therefore a greater percentage of oxygen in the blood. This promotes overall health, helping with stress reduction.
Hot yoga, which is a variation on yoga, is yoga performed in a room which has been heated to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat helps muscles to stretch further and also causes more sweating. It has been suggested that the sweating, along with the oxygenation process, helps to eliminate – literally “sweat out” – impurities in the body, which further helps to reduce stress.
Yoga Works Mentally and Emotionally
A very important part of the yoga discipline focuses on calming meditation, along with mental and emotional discipline. With yoga comes the ability to calm the mind and, to some extent, control it. When this practice is applied to life outside the studio, it can help with stress reduction in daily life.
As mentioned before, regular yoga reduces stress physically by oxygenating the blood more efficiently and removing impurities from the bloodstream. This process also works on a mental and emotional level, since cleaner blood which carries more oxygen better nourishes the brain. The result is clearer thinking and reasoning, which reduces frustration and stress.
Yoga Works Spiritually
Many people who practice this ancient art of stretching, exercise and mental focus consider it a spiritual experience. Yoga originated in India and is connected to several different religions: Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In all of these religions, yoga is practiced to achieve physical and mental discipline. Some believe that mastering yoga is a path to discover a higher state of being, thus making it an intensely spiritual activity.
Participants, especially those who are disciples of a religion to which it relates, may find that the spiritual aspect of the activity reduces stress by allowing for meditation and self-discovery, mentally and physically.
The practice of yoga has gained prominence as a great way to relieve stress by practicing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Research Sources:
All About Spirituality: History of Yoga (http://www.allaboutspirituality.org/history-of-yoga.htm)
Life123: Stress Reducing Benefits of Hot Yoga (http://www.life123.com/health/yoga-meditation/bikram-yoga/benefits-of--hot-yoga.shtml)
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