We all have many pieces to our lives to keep in balance and manage. We can become overwhelmed with the needs of our children, our work, our partners or spouses and not find the time to take care of our own needs. Agitation and anxiety take over, these wear on our immune system and we begin to feel the effects in our bodies. Our energy may drop; we are more susceptible to illness. Allergies, chronic pain, high blood pressure, poor sleep, headaches are all symptoms that are exacerbated by stress in our lives. If you recognize yourself in this picture you, you might want to get yourself to a yoga class.
The ultimate goal of yoga is to bring you to a place inside, a calm and peaceful center that you learn to dwell in, or draw from like a well. When you learn to access this center it allows you to rejuvenate and restore your immune system, your energy, your health. Yoga will help you attune to the behaviors, diet and lifestyle choices that bring positive changes to the way you cope with the stress in your life.
There are physiological aspects that you may or may not understand going on in your body in response to the juggling, multi-tasking, busyness, worry, and struggle we all go through to manage our lives. You know it as ‘the stress response ‘. The body is programmed to send out chemicals to help us keep our energy going, to get us through whatever it is that is threatening us. This is a fantastic mechanism built in to keep us surviving. It turns negative when we don’t take time to do what is necessary for it to shut off. Instead it keeps going and depletes us more.
The deep breathing exercises (pranayama) that are taught in yoga classes send a message to the parasympathetic nervous system that we are safe. Then the sympathetic nervous system switches off the stress response. We feel relief quickly. A state of serenity and peace takes place of the anxiety and angst. What a relief!
The poses (asanas) practiced with the breathing in yoga class help open up the pathways in the neuro-muscular system so that oxygen and blood can flow easily to all the cells. This nice flush of nourishment, in addition, puts the body in a relaxed and satisfied state.
Yoga, overall, is considered very safe. But it is important that you check with your doctor or other health care provider before starting a yoga class. This is especially important if you have any existing health conditions. You may need to avoid certain poses, so it’s important to let the teacher know in advance.
At the end of a yoga class, you can expect to feel invigorated, yet refreshed and relaxed. If this isn’t the case let your teacher know. There may be another class better suited to your needs.
