Chronic stress has become a normal part of life. We have adapted to living with heightened stress day in and day out. Do you feel it? New research shows how this stress is contributing to numerous chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. Studies show Americans are particularly affected, with high rates of chronic illness and mental health diagnoses directly linked to chronic stress. And, it’s not just adults, teens and young people are also suffering from chronic stress and its deleterious health effects.
What's the
connection? When under constant stress, our bodies remain in
"fight-or-flight" mode, flooding us with hormones like cortisol. This
prolonged stress disrupts our hormonal and immune systems, making us
susceptible to various health problems.
Yoga can combat chronic stress and improve our health. By combining physical postures, breathwork, and meditation, yoga helps:
- Reduce stress hormones: Yoga promotes relaxation, lowering cortisol levels and calming the nervous system.
- Improve sleep quality: Better sleep is crucial for recovery and rejuvenation. Yoga practices can enhance sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Increase resilience: Yoga cultivates self-awareness and empowers individuals to manage stress effectively, leading to increased resilience in the face of challenges.
Any yoga class will help to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress, but at Shree we find that the most effective is Restorative Yoga followed by Gentle Yoga or a combination of the two.
At Shree, we strongly encourage you to add a Restorative or Gentle class to your existing weekly classes for your mental fitness and ultimately for your health.
