Chronic
stress often stems from a perceived lack of control and a constant state of
"fight-or-flight." This constant state of alertness disrupts our
physical and mental well-being. Kristin Powers writes: "Chronic stress
keeps you in a trauma response — fight, flight or freeze. Your body never gets
a break because you are always on high alert and living in survival mode. The
chronic uncertainty and anxiety naturally leads you to overwork so you will
have the resources to survive."
Sometimes,
stress isn't just about external pressures; it can be a deeper sense of
meaninglessness or disconnect from our purpose. While yoga cannot
single-handedly solve existential questions, it can create a space for
self-reflection and exploration. By connecting with our breath and body, we can
begin to understand ourselves better and find a sense of inner peace, even
amidst external challenges.
Dr. Gabor
Mate writes: "When people start to lose a sense of meaning and get
disconnected, that's where breakdown in our health—mental, physical, social
health—occurs," the psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bruce Perry told [me].
Our hormones and nervous systems clock [the] presence or absence of meaning in
our lives."
Yoga
provides a path to a balanced life by:
- Promoting mindfulness: Through focused breathwork
and attention to the present moment, yoga helps us become aware of our
thoughts and emotions, allowing us to respond rather than react to
stressful situations.
- Building self-compassion: Yoga fosters
self-acceptance and a sense of inner peace, reducing self-criticism and
promoting a healthy relationship with ourselves.
- Enhancing physical well-being: Gentle yoga stretches and poses
improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and promote better sleep, all
contributing to stress reduction.
By incorporating yoga into our lives, we can break free from the "fight-or-flight" cycle, cultivate a sense of calm and control, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Any type of practice or class will help, but classes that focus specifically on regulating the nervous system through breath, mindfulness and deeply relaxing poses can be the most beneficial to heal our bodies, minds and hearts from chronic stresses.
Use this short meditation to down regulate your nervous system now: https://youtu.be/Fyi6RcFmTco
