What is Stress?

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain that occurs when demands exceed our physical or emotional resources. This is a very common condition and one that we all experience at different levels. Stress affects us in different ways, based on the kind of stress we are exposed to. Our mind and body go through severe effects if the stress is chronic and we are unable to handle or control it.

Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management

Over-anxiousness and stress can be felt not just at work but also at home. It may be tough to identify the signs of stress as it is not always clear, and that’s why yoga is an effective remedy.

The word “yoga” has come from the Sanskrit words yuj (to unite) and ‘ga’ (to make one’s own). Yoga is a practice in which we train our minds and bodies to establish a balance by linking the mind, body, and soul.

It has never been more important to be mindful of stress and how it can adversely affect us. Here are a few important reasons why yoga can help you cope with stress and anxiety:

1.Yoga gives you better sleep.

2.Yoga strengthens your immune system.

3.Yoga helps you relax.

4.Yoga improves your concentration.

5.May lead to increased self-esteem.

6.Yoga increases your energy.

7.Yoga improves mental health as it helps relieve stress and anxiety. It works for people suffering from various kinds of mental disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

5 Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress

Yoga is the practice of asanas or postures. It is a form of exercise that helps strengthen the body and mind. Yoga is one of the most powerful stress busters and can be practised as a form of physical activity at any stage of life. Studies have shown that it can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall health. 

Stand tall and exhale, bend your knees enough to be able to touch the ground. Press your head against your legs. Avoid moving out of your comfort zone as it can cause strains. Straighten your legs and hold this pose for 10 seconds. Inhale and stretch your arms outwards by raising them. Come back to the standing position.

Sit straight and extend your legs in front of your body. Keep your knees wide and place each foot beneath the opposite knee. Cross your legs towards your torso. Keep your palms down and place your hands onto your knees. Align your head, neck and spine together to balance your weight. Lengthen your spine and relax your feet and thighs. Continue this position for about a minute and then gently release and change the cross of your legs.

Sit straight with your legs extended and bend your left leg, bringing the sole of your foot to the upper inside right thigh. Rest your left knee on the floor and put your palms on either side of the right leg. Inhale and turn towards the extended leg. Exhale while folding forward. Continue this pose by holding it for a few seconds and repeat the same on the other side.

Lie flat on your back and bend both knees. Place your feet flat on the floor at hip-width apart. Slide arms alongside the body with palms facing down. Inhale as you lift the hips up, rolling your spine off the floor. Squeeze knees slightly together to keep the knees hip-width apart. Press down into the arms and shoulders to open the chest upwards. Take help of your legs and buttocks to lift your hips even higher. Breathe and hold for a few seconds and then relax.

The corpse pose is also called Savasana and is the yoga reclining pose. It is a final relaxation pose to be performed at the end of every yoga class and is also practised on its own. The Corpse pose is a good stress-buster as it helps in calming the senses and relaxing the mind.

The following are some of the benefits of the Corpse pose:

• By lying on your back, it allows the heart to beat faster and distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body through its vessels. This, in turn, helps prevent heart diseases.
• Puts minimal stress on the vertebrae due to its relaxed nature.
• Keeps the spine flexible and prevents back ache or pain that can be caused to the nervous system.
• Eases one from feeling impatient, rushed and allows one to focus on the present.
• Allows our muscles to relax and recover after a stressful or long day at work or college.

Start by wiggling your fingers and toes. Close your eyes and draw your knees in and slowly roll over to your left or right side. Rest in that position for a moment and inhale. Repeat the same on the other side as well.

What are the Health Benefits of Doing Yoga?

Yoga is a form of exercise that focuses on breath, body posture and mind control. It involves various varieties of postures that can be beneficial in several ways. While yoga is commonly practised to detoxify and relax your body, it actually has many health benefits.

Ways Yoga Helps in Daily Life:

1.Yoga promotes weight loss.

2.It increases the flexibility of joints and muscles.

3.Yoga improves cardiovascular health as it promotes respiratory stability.

4.It relieves muscle pain and reduces stiffness, especially in the joints.

5.Yoga improves blood circulation and prevents heart attacks.

6.Yoga helps in building and firming the body muscles.

7.Yoga improves digestion as it helps to regulate bowel movements.

8.Yoga improves your mood.

9.Improves your balance.

10.Helps treat depression and prevent suicide.

Take Away

Yoga is one of the best and most ancient practices of India to heal our minds and body. Yoga helps us in overcoming stress and anxiety and realizing the beauty of life. As stress increases due to a number of reasons, the ability to relax or calm our minds becomes important. Yoga is an effective tool to help reduce stress by gaining control over our bodies.