Yoga and stress
What can yoga do against stress ?
Stress is a well-known condition that can occur at any time in life, often without warning. It is a completely natural bodily reaction that allows us to become aware of a threat, whether real or not. When we experience stress, whether it is chronic or temporary, it creates an imbalance ; psychologically and physiologically.
A state of stress causes physical and psychological symptoms that can seriously affect the quality of daily life. Among the most common symptoms are sleep disorders, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, irritability, concentration and memory problems, loss of libido, body tension, etc. In the long term, stress can cause persistent damage. This is why it is necessary to act before the stress symptoms get worse. There are a multitude of causes that can lead to a state of stress:
– professional overload and burn-out
– loss of a job
– professional reorientation
– harassment
– separation and divorce
– family problems
– exam preparation
– life changes
– low morale
– social problems
– financial problems
– international political conflicts
– ecological crises
– health crises
– sickness and chronic illness
– fears…
Numerous scientific studies confirm that the regular practice of yoga improves inner calm and reduces stress considerably. The symptoms of stress are permanently reduced after only 4 weeks of yoga practice.
After just one session, you will feel more serene and relaxed. After several sessions, you will be able to use the techniques taught during the course on your own. The main objective is to give you the knowledge and skills to use these tools independently when you feel stressed.
How does an Anti-Stress Yoga session work?
We will begin the Yoga Anti-Stress Therapy session by practicing various mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques, which will help you ground yourself and release mental tension. You will then practice tranquilizing and regenerating postures, so that your body can free itself from the contractions and stiffness that prevent optimal energy flow. Finally, you will be guided through autosuggestion and visualization towards well-being and deep relaxation.
Properties of the different techniques used in stress reduction
Mindfulness Meditation:
Mindfulness meditation acts directly on the regulation of the production of cortisol, a stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. In 2021, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University demonstrated that 25 minutes of mindfulness meditation performed on three consecutive days effectively reduced the stress of the subjects studied.
Breathing (Pranayama):
Yogic breathing is a set of controlled breathing practices, which provides many cardiovascular benefits and increased emotional stability. Slow, long, deep breathing reduces the effects of stress and anxiety by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Postures (Asanas):
There are a large number of postures, each with its own specific benefits for the body. The anti-stress and anchoring postures release tension out of the body through stretching and movement. The immune system is strengthened and chronic inflammations are reduced.
Autosuggestion and visualization:
The last step of the session, it allows the body and mind to release the last present tensions. During this phase, the body registers the benefits of the practice, as well as the physical and emotional sensations of relaxation that you have generated throughout the session.
Here are some scientific studies on the subject of yoga as a de-stressing practice:
