How Yoga Fights Off Stress

Yoga is a practice that has been around for over 5,000 years. People perform yoga because they want to improve their flexibility. However, improved flexibility is not the only benefit that can be reaped from doing yoga. It can also reduce stress. Below is a list of ways that yoga can help fight stress:

Helps You Stay In The Moment

When we are stressed, we have a tendency to think about all of the things that we have to do in the future. Yoga is a mind/body exercise that allows you to clear your thoughts. Instead of worrying about all of the things you have to do, you will focus on your body and breathing. After you have finished doing yoga, you will have an easier time concentrating.

Lower Cortisol

Yoga has been shown to help lower cortisol levels. People who are stressed have higher levels of cortisol in their bodies. Cortisol is a stress hormone. It is released by the adrenal cortex and helps stimulate the flight or fight response. Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, lowered immune system response and increased blood pressure.

Alleviate Depression

Depression and stress are linked. People who are chronically stressed are more likely to suffer from depression. Chronic stress lowers serotonin levels. Serotonin helps boost mood.

Yoga is a natural antidepressant. Studies have shown that yoga can increase the production of GABA, which is an amino acid. Low GABA levels have been shown to increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Alleviate Anxiety

Yoga is also great for reducing anxiety, which has also been linked to stress. There was a study done that involved soldiers who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The soldiers were asked to do yoga for one year. The results of the study showed that the subjects had a significant reduction in their PTSD symptoms. They had lower respiration rates and anxiety levels.