The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)
How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."Sidney J. Harris
But what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.
Physical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.
Stress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.
You are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING.
Your body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.
Luckily, you make it to safety.
Ok, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.
Sigh.
Humans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.
Humans have trouble shaking things off.
In science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.
We experience psychological stress.
For example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.
This stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.
Your body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.
You need the relaxation response.
When in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.
Take 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?
In this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.
This is where Yoga comes in.
The practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.
Your health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.
You will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.
You might be thinking "But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time." We have good news.
The benefits of yoga are available to beginners and advanced yogis.
A study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.
To truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)
"The only joy in the world is to begin"Cesare Pavese
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{"slug":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized. If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"ckyktoycwdpk80c697njqku5f","slug":"traditional-yoga-teacher-training-course","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"Will","pictureUrl":null},"title":"4 Reasons To Take a Yoga Teacher Training Course From Authentic Yoga Teachers","createdAt":"2022-01-19T00:44:38.302798+00:00","coverUrl":"hvuiybbjigcvmvyfc2jw.jpg","content":{"text":"While we completely understand the modernization of yoga, here at MyYogaTeacher, we wholeheartedly believe in the power and therapeutic effects of the traditional yoga techniques originally taught in Eastern yoga!\\nAnd while there is absolutely nothing wrong with Western yoga, we’ve found that students from all over the country (and the world) really value the experience and expertise of our authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\nWith that in mind, many of you may be interested in becoming a yoga teacher yourself and not know how to choose the right yoga teacher training course to suit your needs. \\nOr maybe you \\ndon’t\\n want to become a yoga teacher but just have a desire to grow in your practice and enhance your life through yoga!\\nThere are\\n tons\\n of yoga teacher training programs out there to choose from, but they don’t all do a thorough job.\\nThis isn’t because the yogis who teach these courses are purposefully trying to “get one over” on their students (at least we hope not). It’s more so because they don’t have the experience, knowledge, and expertise that many authentic yoga teachers do!\\nIf you’re interested in learning more about MyYogaTeacher’s Teacher Training Courses, we’d love to have you! \\nCheck it out here!\\n\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nNow, onto why it’s important to choose your yoga teacher training course wisely, and how learning from authentic yoga teachers is vital to your success as a yogi or a yoga teacher!\\n1. Advance your yoga practice\\nWhile almost any yoga teacher\\n training\\n course (TTC) is going to almost force you – in a natural sort of way – to grow in your yoga practice, it won’t be in the same way as if you’re learning from a traditional yoga instructor.\\nThe yoga classes you’ll take with a traditional yoga teacher in a TTC will be more strict, disciplined, and focused on building strength and perfecting (or attempting to perfect) your alignment.\\nHow can you teach someone about these things if you haven’t mastered some of them yourself?\\nThe counts to hold a pose will be long and precise alignment will be taught and demonstrated. On the other side of that coin, you’ll also probably feel loved and supported, as traditional instructors truly do care about their students’ well-being, mental, physical, and emotional health.\\nThe main difference when learning yoga poses from an authentic yoga teacher from India and one from the Western world is that the East has had a plethora of master yogis over the 5000 years yoga has existed there, while yoga was only introduced to the West about 100 years ago. Traditional yoga teachers from the East learned about the culture, history, and philosophy of yoga, not just the physical aspects.\\nAnd we’re not sure any of the Western teachers could be considered masters.\\n\n2. Experience a traditional view of success\\nThe Western world’s view of success often has to do with the external. How we look, what possessions we have, the outside stimuli that makes us feel good.\\n\\nTraditional yoga\\n is much different! This ancient Eastern practice is focused on reaching spiritual enlightenment, becoming self-aware, being present. It’s about finding your peace from the inside out instead of the outside in. Oh, and this has nothing to do with religion as some people might have you to believe.\\nWhether you’re religious or not, anyone can practice yoga and experience the spiritual benefits the practice provides.\\nHaving a traditional view of success as a yoga teacher will help you demonstrate and teach your students how to find their own true peace and contentedness. In turn, this change in mindset will help them grow in their yoga practice and accomplish their goals!\\n3. Learn a more comprehensive approach to teaching yoga\\nAt the very basic level, taking a TTC with an authentic, traditional yoga instructor is going to make you more valuable to your own students!\\nTraditional yoga and yoga teaching often doesn’t begin with asanas (yoga poses) like Western yoga does. It may begin with breathing exercises, a meditation, or a life lesson. You also usually set an intention for your practice.\\nYou’ll learn about morals, ethics, purity, and how to develop – and help your students develop – a strong, consistent commitment to a yoga practice. You’ll learn how to meditate and how to lead a meditation. Different yogic breathing techniques and how they help different groups of people.\\nAnd because you’re learning from a long line of tradition and culture, you’ll learn about the history of yoga, various yoga poses, how they help cure illnesses, boost immunity, and how yoga is an excellent companion to conventional medicine.\\n4. Expert yoga teachers create expert yogis\\nWho wouldn’t want to learn from the best?\\nIf you wanted to be a doctor, you’d seek out the best colleges and universities that offer medical programs. If you wanted to be a professional athlete, you’d make sure you received top quality training from high end trainers.\\nBecoming a yoga teacher is no different. You don’t want to be mediocre. You want to provide your students with the highest quality yoga instruction and education as is humanly possible. Because you care about people!\\nYou want them to experience the benefits of yoga that you have!\\nWhen you take a TTC course from authentic Eastern yoga instructors, you are immersed in the traditional world of yoga. \\nAsanas (yoga poses) are only one of the traditional 8 yoga sutras you’ll probably learn about. The others are:\\nYama - deals with ethical standards and integrity\\nPranayama - regulation of breath\\nNiyama - about leading a moral life and doing good in the world\\nPratyahara - focuses on spiritual development\\nDharana - holding consciousness in one state of being\\nDhyana - creating a pure mind\\nSamadhi - the path to pure joy and enlightenment\\nThese are terms you’ll likely become very familiar with when taking a traditional-focused TTC from authentic yoga teachers.\\nAnd completion of the course isn’t the end of your teacher training journey! You’ll have all the tools you need, the community and access to yoga experts, to continue moving forward. \\nYou’ll have what you need to become the expert!\\nInterested in getting more info on MyYogaTeacher’s TTC with our beloved-by-members yoga instructor, Rohan?\\nWith the MyYogaTeacher 200-hour TTC, you won’t get pre-recorded trainings or an overwhelming amount of materials that you have to navigate alone!\\n \\nWith MyYogaTeacher 100% of your TTC is live. And you'll get access to incredible teachers with rare levels of experience and yoga education. Rohan himself has taught 17 in-person TTCs, 6 online TTCs, and managed 13 other TTCs!\\n \\nWe're not like those self-paced courses you'll find on the internet.\\n With a TTC from MyYogaTeacher, you're not paying for a series of videos \\n(that you can watch or not)\\n, a few live Q&A sessions \\n(that you can attend or not)\\n, and booklets or packets \\n(you can read or not)\\n.\\n With our \\nYoga Alliance certified\\n TTC, you'll get:\\n \\n✔️ 100% live instruction\\n✔️ A group chat with your teachers and classmates\\n✔️ A 150-page e-book\\n✔️ Recordings of each of your classes\\n✔️ A community setting that keeps you motivated and energized\\n When you enroll in our Yoga Training Course \\nCertification\\n, you’re not just saying yes to being a yoga instructor. Because some of you may not have that goal.\\n \\nYou’re saying yes to \\nYOU\\n.\\n \\nGet more info or sign up here!\\n\\n"}},{"id":"cknabgsso4cxb0c80ev4250xl","slug":"yoga-for-skin-and-hair","author":{"name":"Rashika","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Grow and Glow: 4 Ways Yoga Helps Your Skin and Hair","createdAt":"2021-04-09T12:59:57.071033+00:00","coverUrl":"cknabgsso4cxb0c80ev4250xl.jpg","content":{"text":"You know you’re at least a tiny bit jelly of that one person who has the most amazing hair and perfect skin. Or maybe you are that person already! (Good for you!)\\n\\nFor many people, growing a thick, healthy mane of hair they’re proud of is hard. Like, really hard! Not everyone is fortunate enough to be blessed with beautiful hair and skin. Sometimes we have one but not the other, right?\\n\\nThe fact is no one’s perfect. And that’s, of course, beautiful in and of itself! \\n\\nBut we’re here to tell you a regular yoga practice helps you have healthy hair and skin. I talk more about this in my \\nYoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class \\non myYogaTeacher, so if you’re still interested after reading this, hop on over and check it out!\\n\\nNot a MYT member? That’s ok too! \\nGrab your MyYogaTeacher 2-week free trial here\\n and get access to my class and tons of others here. \\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s go over some ways yoga promotes healthy skin and hair!\\n\\n\\n1. Breath is life\\n\\nIf you’re not a yogi or you’re a new yogi, you’ve maybe taken advantage of the fact that you breathe. Unconsciously. \\n\\nBreathing comes naturally. But the quality of your breath does not.\\n\\nWhen you’re stressed, anxious, depressed, or angry, your breathing changes. Some people hold their breath without even realizing it. You may take shorter breaths, faster or more shallow breaths. This reduces the amount of oxygen flowing through your body to your muscles and...you guessed it, your skin.\\n\\nYour skin is your body’s largest organ! Getting enough oxygen to your skin and hair follicles is important for healthy skin and hair.\\n\\nA regular yoga practice includes conscious breathwork. Deep, intentional breathing, belly breathing, is a major component of circulating more oxygen throughout your body.\\n\\nBreathwork also reduces stress, anxiety and helps calm your nervous system so that you will unconsciously breathe better!\\n\\nSpeaking of circulation…\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga increases blood flow\\n\\nThis may seem obvious to you, especially during that fast-paced hatha yoga flow. You know when the sweat struggle is real and your muscles are on fire.\\n\\nBut there are specific yoga poses that increase blood flow to the scalp and skin. And better and more circulation of blood means more nutrients are being brought to those areas. Here are some poses I focus on in my Yoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class:\\n\\nDownward facing dog.\\n Any time your head is below your heart, gravity draws more blood down towards your scalp.\\nCamel pose.\\n This pose is great if you’re struggling with acne because it helps balance cortisol hormones.\\nStanding forward bend.\\n Another good pose to promote healthy hair and scalp.\\nHeadstand or shoulder stand\\n. Even if you’re unable to fully do these, the modifications for them still promote healthy skin and hair since they are inversion poses\\n\\nThere are many inversion asanas that help bring more blood flow to skin and scalp, particularly facial skin, which is where many people struggle with acne.\\n\\nWe cover most of these poses in my class!\\n\\n\\n3. Better digestion, better skin and hair\\n\\nYou’ve no doubt heard about how a healthy gut biome affects your health in almost every way – brain function, immunity, organ function and heart health. But did you know that a healthy digestive cycle also improves those things?\\n\\nYour digestive system plays a huge role in healthy skin and hair as well. Your digestive tract absorbs nutrients from the food you eat, and then those nutrients are distributed to the various different tissues in your body, including your skin.\\n\\nIf your digestive system isn’t on track (pun intended ;-) ) it can’t absorb the nutrients your body needs to thrive. This means your skin and hair also suffer.\\n\\nKnow what’s particularly helpful for digestion? Yes! Yoga!\\n\\nThere are waaaaaaay more poses that exist to aid digestion than we can mention here, but here are some that are perfect for every body type and any fitness level:\\n\\nSeated or reclined twists.\\n Twisting poses are particularly useful for better digestion.\\nCobra or upward facing dog.\\n Both of these poses open up the chest and stretch out the abdomen, lengthening the digestive tract.\\nCat and cow.\\n The gentle stretch and contraction of the abdominal muscles in this active asana stimulates digestion.\\nSide stretches.\\n Asanas like triangle pose, pyramid pose, and seated side stretch are also gentle poses that assist with digestion.\\n\\nNext time you overeat or ate something that didn’t agree with you, try some of these poses and see if they help. Hold each pose for 5-10 slow belly breaths for maximum benefit.\\n\\n[CTA-GC]\\n\\n4. Meditation makes a difference\\n\\nI’ve talked before about how \\nmeditation\\n affects your mental, emotional, and physical state. But you’re probably wondering how it helps your hair grow and your skin glow, right?\\n\\nInadvertently. That’s how.\\n\\nA regular meditation practice is usually a part of a regular yoga routine. At least at myYogaTeacher it is. Yoga isn’t just about the physical. The work out. It’s about creating an inner and outer world that work together for the good of all.\\n\\nWhen we meditate regularly, we stress less, worry less. We are angry less. We are happier, calmer, and more clear-headed. We’re more at peace. And when we are this way, we take better care of ourselves.\\n\\nMeditation is a part of your yoga practice that is very, very important. Because when you feel good enough to take better care of yourself, your hair and skin will show it. Whether it’s brushing your hair more often or using hair and skin products that are better for you or work better for you. Maybe you go to the salon or you finally go see a dermatologist or holistic health practitioner about your skin problems.\\n\\nEither way, yoga helps.\\n\\n\\nIf you need help in these areas, definitely try out my \\nYoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class on myYogaTeacher!\\n I would be honored to help you move past the things in your life that are preventing you from having healthy hair and skin or things that are contributing to your bad health in general.\\n\\nIf you’re not a member of MYT yet, don’t worry! \\nYou can go here to sign up for your 2-week free trial and get access to 35+ different classes a day!\\n Try it out. I’m sure you’ll love it.\\n\\nNamaste.\\n"}},{"id":"ckm4yuoywbav40b72fvye5ygh","slug":"yoga-for-weight-loss","author":{"name":"Anusha","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Ways Yoga for Weight Loss Works for Every Body","createdAt":"2021-03-11T14:28:17.393193+00:00","coverUrl":"VZWRIX5QWCBCAIYPVBZ2VYSKZY.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to losing weight. \\n\\nIf you’re overweight and you want to drop those pounds ASAP, your first thoughts might be HIIT workouts or running...high impact, fat shredding routines.\\n\\nAnd there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those!\\n\\nBut for some folks, those types of workouts can be dangerous, hard on their heart and joints. It can also be pretty deflating when you’re unable to complete those harder forms of exercise because of excess weight.\\n\\nThis is where yoga for weight loss comes to the rescue!\\n\\nYes. Yoga can help you lose weight, tone, strengthen, and build stamina while also protecting your joints. If you’re interested in trying out a yoga class specifically designed for those of you who need to drop some pounds or are just starting out in the world of workouts,\\n try my Yoga for Obesity class on myYogaTeacher!\\n\\n\\nBut, as we’ve said before, yoga isn’t just for a specific body type. It’s for every body type. So don’t think you have to be overweight (or not) to jump in!\\n\\n1. Yoga and food\\n\\nYou’re wondering how these two go together, right? Yeah, I thought so!\\n\\nOne of the major health benefits of yoga is self-awareness, mindfulness. People who practice yoga regularly become much more aware of how they’re feeling physically, mentally and emotionally.\\n\\nThere’s no shame at all in admitting that you grab those bad-for-you foods when you’re stressed, sad, mad, or tired. Or any other range of emotions. \\n\\nFood releases endorphins!\\n\\nHowever, studies have shown that practicing yoga and mindfulness does in fact help you resist overeating and comfort eating. You are more likely to recognize when you’re full, eat slower, and choose food options that are better for you.\\n\\nWhich leads me to #2…\\n\\n2. Sleep more, weigh less\\n\\nDid you know that quality sleep is associated with weight loss? True story.\\n\\nSleep deprivation, restriction, and low quality of sound sleep negatively impacts your weight, mind and emotions. And that is a disastrous combination! We eat more when we’re sleepy and trying to stay awake.\\n\\nThink about it. What do you eat or drink the most when you’re tired? Sodas? Fast food? Twinkies, Oreos, or some other sugar filled junk food? What do you eat or drink when you’re super emotional or need more mental clarity? \\n\\nWhen you don’t sleep well, you often don’t eat well.\\n\\nYoga has a ton of health benefits. One of them is better sleep! Yoga particularly helps those who are overweight sleep better. Being overweight itself can hinder good sleep. Snoring, being unable to get comfortable, aches and pains associated with being overweight. All of those are reasons you may not be getting good sleep. Or enough sleep.\\n\\nThere are several types of yoga for weight loss. There is also yoga to help you sleep better, such as yoga nidra or yin yoga! You can find lots of classes to help with sleep, including mine, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Feel the burn \\n\\nYoga burns calories for sure! Which is exactly what you need to do to get in better shape and lose those unwanted pounds.\\n\\nThere are certain types of yoga for weight loss that are more effective at burning those calories than others. Power yoga, ashtanga, and vinyasa are three of the most common.\\n\\nBut if you’re a beginner and really struggling with weight gain or limited mobility due to injury or excess weight, a yoga class specifically for overweight yogis might be more beneficial for you to begin with. All the poses will have modifications. It’s a slower practice and there’s more guidance with alignment. Also, you may feel more comfortable and confident in a class that you know was designed with your body type and struggles in mind!\\n\\nAs you progress in your practice, you’ll feel much better about trying other types of yoga and poses that are meant to make you feel the burn and sweat it out! You’ll shrink physically but grow mentally and emotionally.\\n\\n\\n4. Yoga reduces stress\\n\\nLong term exposure to stress or stressful situations leads to increased cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are high for extended periods of time, it can lead to obesity.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels have specifically been linked to excess abdominal fat and increased appetite. Of course, what does almost everyone do more of when they’re stressed? Eat! This act of eating more during stressful times has been proven to be directly correlated with our reaction to high levels of cortisol.\\n\\nHow do we combat stress in a healthier way?\\n\\nYou guessed it. Yoga and meditation!\\n\\nA regular yoga practice will reduce your stress levels, which, in turn, reduces your “comfort eating” and consumption of unhealthy foods. In essence, reducing stress reduces weight!\\n\\n5. Pain management = weight management\\n\\nMany overweight people are in pain. \\n\\nYour cholesterol and blood sugar may be perfect. Your blood pressure is pristine. Your doctor says your heart looks great. But your body hurts.\\n\\nA hurting body doesn’t want to exercise. But exercise helps a hurting body not hurt.\\n\\nIt’s a vicious cycle.\\n\\nYoga helps you lose weight, yes. But it also cures various aches and pains, no matter what that pain is due to. Whether your knees and back hurt because you’re overweight or because of previous injuries, yoga can help!\\n\\nAnd when we hurt less, we move more, right? When we move more, we burn more calories, strengthen muscles, gain more flexibility, reduce pressure on our joints, and are less likely to get injured or be in pain in the future.\\n\\nAnd that’s the kind of cycle you want to be in! It’s the kind we all want to be in!\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you’re struggling with a few extra pounds or…well, more than a few, yoga is there for you. We can do it together in\\n my Yoga for Obesity class\\n, where I’ve created a practice that is perfect for every body type. Not a member yet? \\nGet your myYogaTeacher 2-week free trial here and have access to 35+ different yoga classes every single day! \\n\\n\\n\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqz710g022r0178kxald7li","slug":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)","createdAt":"2020-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-08-01T06:31:54.093397+00:00","coverUrl":"eli-defaria-vCzh1jOyre8-unsplash.jpg","seoDescription":"Practicing yoga is a mind-body experience. It combines physical actions and mental exercises that help in reducing stress.","content":{"text":"How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.\\n\\n\"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.\"Sidney J. Harris\\n\\nBut what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.\\n\\nPhysical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.\\n\\nStress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.\\n\\nYou are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. \\n\\nYour body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.\\n\\nLuckily, you make it to safety.\\n\\nOk, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.\\n\\nSigh.\\n\\nHumans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.\\n\\nHumans have trouble shaking things off. \\n\\nIn science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.\\n\\nWe experience psychological stress.\\n\\nFor example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.\\n\\nThis stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.\\n\\nYour body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.\\n\\nYou need the relaxation response.\\n\\nWhen in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.\\n\\nTake 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?\\n\\nIn this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.\\n\\nThis is where \\nYoga\\n comes in.\\n\\nThe practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.\\n\\nYour health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.\\n\\nYou will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.\\n\\nYou might be thinking \"But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time.\" We have good news.\\n\\nThe \\nbenefits of yoga\\n are available to beginners and advanced yogis.\\n\\nA study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.\\n\\nTo truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)\\n\\n\"The only joy in the world is to begin\"Cesare Pavese\\n","html":"<p>How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.</p><p></p><p>"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."Sidney J. Harris</p><p></p><p>But what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.</p><p></p><p>Physical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.</p><p></p><p>Stress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.</p><p></p><p>You are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. </p><p></p><p>Your body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.</p><p></p><p>Luckily, you make it to safety.</p><p></p><p>Ok, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.</p><p></p><p>Sigh.</p><p></p><p>Humans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.</p><p></p><p>Humans have trouble shaking things off. </p><p></p><p>In science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.</p><p></p><p>We experience psychological stress.</p><p></p><p>For example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.</p><p></p><p>This stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.</p><p></p><p>Your body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.</p><p></p><p>You need the relaxation response.</p><p></p><p>When in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.</p><p></p><p>Take 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?</p><p></p><p>In this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.</p><p></p><p>This is where <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Yoga</a> comes in.</p><p></p><p>The practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.</p><p></p><p>Your health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.</p><p></p><p>You will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.</p><p></p><p>You might be thinking "But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time." We have good news.</p><p></p><p>The <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">benefits of yoga</a> are available to beginners and advanced yogis.</p><p></p><p>A study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.</p><p></p><p>To truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)</p><p></p><p>"The only joy in the world is to begin"Cesare Pavese</p><p></p>"},"category":["therapy","mental_health"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.</p><p></p><p>"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."Sidney J. Harris</p><p></p><p>But what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.</p><p></p><p>Physical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.</p><p></p><p>Stress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.</p><p></p><p>You are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. </p><p></p><p>Your body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.</p><p></p><p>Luckily, you make it to safety.</p><p></p><p>Ok, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.</p><p></p><p>Sigh.</p><p></p><p>Humans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.</p><p></p><p>Humans have trouble shaking things off. </p><p></p><p>In science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.</p><p></p><p>We experience psychological stress.</p><p></p><p>For example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.</p><p></p><p>This stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.</p><p></p><p>Your body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.</p><p></p><p>You need the relaxation response.</p><p></p><p>When in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.</p><p></p><p>Take 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?</p><p></p><p>In this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.</p><p></p><p>This is where <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=ee62b428-b554-4beb-bed3-6aa9a26bb14b\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqz710g022r0178kxald7li&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)&entity_slug=the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in&page_or_popup=/articles/the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"ee62b428-b554-4beb-bed3-6aa9a26bb14b\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)\"\n data-slug=\"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in\"\n <u>Yoga</a></u> \n </a> comes in.</p><p></p><p>The practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.</p><p></p><p>Your health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.</p><p></p><p>You will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.</p><p></p><p>You might be thinking "But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time." We have good news.</p><p></p><p>The <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">benefits of yoga</a> are available to beginners and advanced yogis.</p><p></p><p>A study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.</p><p></p><p>To truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)</p><p></p><p>"The only joy in the world is to begin"Cesare Pavese</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckfqz710g022r0178kxald7li","slug":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)","createdAt":"2020-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-08-01T06:31:54.093397+00:00","coverUrl":"eli-defaria-vCzh1jOyre8-unsplash.jpg","seoDescription":"Practicing yoga is a mind-body experience. It combines physical actions and mental exercises that help in reducing stress.","content":{"text":"How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.\\n\\n\"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.\"Sidney J. Harris\\n\\nBut what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.\\n\\nPhysical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.\\n\\nStress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.\\n\\nYou are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. \\n\\nYour body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.\\n\\nLuckily, you make it to safety.\\n\\nOk, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.\\n\\nSigh.\\n\\nHumans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.\\n\\nHumans have trouble shaking things off. \\n\\nIn science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.\\n\\nWe experience psychological stress.\\n\\nFor example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.\\n\\nThis stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.\\n\\nYour body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.\\n\\nYou need the relaxation response.\\n\\nWhen in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.\\n\\nTake 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?\\n\\nIn this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.\\n\\nThis is where \\nYoga\\n comes in.\\n\\nThe practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.\\n\\nYour health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.\\n\\nYou will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.\\n\\nYou might be thinking \"But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time.\" We have good news.\\n\\nThe \\nbenefits of yoga\\n are available to beginners and advanced yogis.\\n\\nA study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.\\n\\nTo truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)\\n\\n\"The only joy in the world is to begin\"Cesare Pavese\\n","html":"<p>How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.</p><p></p><p>"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."Sidney J. Harris</p><p></p><p>But what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.</p><p></p><p>Physical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.</p><p></p><p>Stress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.</p><p></p><p>You are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. </p><p></p><p>Your body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.</p><p></p><p>Luckily, you make it to safety.</p><p></p><p>Ok, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.</p><p></p><p>Sigh.</p><p></p><p>Humans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.</p><p></p><p>Humans have trouble shaking things off. </p><p></p><p>In science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.</p><p></p><p>We experience psychological stress.</p><p></p><p>For example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.</p><p></p><p>This stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.</p><p></p><p>Your body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.</p><p></p><p>You need the relaxation response.</p><p></p><p>When in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.</p><p></p><p>Take 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?</p><p></p><p>In this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.</p><p></p><p>This is where <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Yoga</a> comes in.</p><p></p><p>The practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.</p><p></p><p>Your health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.</p><p></p><p>You will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.</p><p></p><p>You might be thinking "But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time." We have good news.</p><p></p><p>The <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">benefits of yoga</a> are available to beginners and advanced yogis.</p><p></p><p>A study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.</p><p></p><p>To truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)</p><p></p><p>"The only joy in the world is to begin"Cesare Pavese</p><p></p>"},"category":["therapy","mental_health"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc