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":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl9p94kd7jqju0bk8jd63p38z","slug":"get-together-goa-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"MyYogaTeacher Get Together in Goa – 2022","createdAt":"2022-10-26T06:24:30.993627+00:00","coverUrl":"mir0nb2aj5flsxgq1poi.jpg","content":{"text":"WOW, Goa with our teachers, staff, and a few members was SO MUCH FUN!!\\n\n\\nPeople have been reaching out for pics and stories, so I thought I'd share \\nthe highlights here\\n. Also, you can follow us \\non\\n Facebook\\n or \\nInstagram\\n, we have more great pictures and short videos\\n there.\\nDecompressing from Travel - Massage & Sound Healing\n\\n\\n\\n\n\\nAfter planes and taxis to Goa, we were all ready to start relaxing and enjoying ourselves. We arrived to a host of masseurs giving us foot and shoulder massages. After that, \\nRohan\\n and \\nStuti\\n led us in a BEAUTIFUL sound healing ceremony. It \\nmelted away any tensions\\n from the travels and started the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together on the right foot!\\n\\nWelcome Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nJitendra, CEO of MyYogaTeacher, welcomed everyone and shared the vision of our community – \\nmaking the world healthier and happier\\n. Every yoga session led by a teacher, every yoga session joined by a community member, brings more consciousness, peace, joy and health into the world.\\n\\nDrum Circle on the Beach\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nShivayogi\\n and his talented friends facilitated a drum circle. We were all given djembe drums and many of us \\nspent the night drumming in (astonishingly) synchronous rhythm\\n, while others danced to the beat. Most people described it as a magical night.\\n\\nTai Chi to Start 2nd Day\\n\\n\\n\\nThe next morning, we woke up early and tired from the drum party that went late into the night. Kannan led us in a grounding and energizing Tai Chi session on the beach. We learned to \\nstay rooted and firm in the earth, while fluid and supple in our movement\\n. It woke us up and gave us a collective energy that took us laughing and chatting all the way through breakfast.\n\nOh, and breakfast at the resort was AMAZING!\\n\\nWater Sports & Pool Time\\n\\n\\n\\nThe afternoon was full of banana boat rides, parasailing, speed boating, and hanging out by the pool. It was a blast!\\n\\nAward Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nMy personal favorite part of the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in Goa was the award ceremony. \n\\nWe recognized so many teachers and staff members individually - for all their \\ndedication and passion to making MyYogaTeacher the beautiful community of yogis that we've become\\n. Every single person, member, staff, and teacher has \\nmade MyYogaTeacher a place of healing, connection, joy, and collective evolution\\n. We are all so proud of what we're doing here together!\n\\nAfter recognizing teachers for milestones like 3,000 hours of teaching on the platform, giving out \"Buddha Award\" for employee of the year, and singing happy birthday to TWO of the event participants...\\n\\nWE DANCED\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe band played all the Bollywood hits from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. I didn't fully understand it, I'm told it was nostalgic. But what I did see was an \\nentire room full of people swept up in a dancing frenzy\\n full of energy and joy. Everyone, and I mean E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E., even me, grooved on the dance floor, \\nsmiling, laughing, and jumping with infectious joy\\n. It was incredible! \\n\\nMorning Meditation\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter another late night of celebration - a beachside meditation led by \\nSandeep\\n was \\nthe perfect way to start the day\\n. Finding presence as the waves gently rumbled on the shore, we began our final day in Goa together.\\n\\nGoodbye Goa… for Now\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd finally, we said goodbye. Words and pictures can't capture this special experience, and don't do it justice. \n\\nI want to thank each and every teacher, member, and staff\\n who joined the event and made it the magical experience it was. I want to thank every one of us for being there in spirit and making MyYogaTeacher the incredible community of yogis that it has become.\\n\\nI hope you join us next year. The time and place isn't set yet. But we'll try to organize it with plenty of time for you to make travel plans. (COVID, rains in Bangalore, and other random events caused us to plan this event last minute).\\n\\nYou're invited to our next MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in India! (time and place TBD)."}},{"id":"ckz7ga2283v6i0b81t5mhp1b4","slug":"yoga-poses-against-wall","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Using a Wall in Your Yin Yoga Practice Can Give You Unparalleled Release","createdAt":"2022-02-03T20:47:50.859672+00:00","coverUrl":"zlf5j1vaur5u2tfqkc90.jpg","content":{"text":"Some days you’re energetic and motivated to move your body, but some days you’re not! Some days you feel so sore that wiggling your feet hurts. And some days, maybe you just. can’t. \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand all of those types of days. They just mean we’re all human!\\nThe good news is there’s a yoga for that. If you know us at all, you know that we want to make sure that anyone and everyone who wants to practice yoga feels comfortable doing so. No matter what kind of day they’re having.\\nUsing props in yoga is nothing new. Especially yin yoga! You should always feel comfortable using a yoga prop if needed. But so many yogis underestimate the power of using a wall as a prop!\\nMaking use of a wall in yin yoga has major physical and mental health benefits, but it also allows you to do something good for your body on days when you’re just not feelin’ it. As a matter of fact, when you’re sore or unmotivated (or both), using a wall for some relaxing yin yoga is probably just what your mind and body need!\\nMyYogaTeacher is excited to offer so many different types of yoga classes to meet the needs of our community of yogis! Yin yoga is just one of them. \\nAnd\\n it’s offered at various times on different days so you can find a time that works best for you to try it out! Plus, we have several expert yoga instructors who teach yin yoga. You get to choose which one you like best!\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nMeanwhile, let’s talk about how using a wall – the prop everyone has at home – for your yin yoga practice provides unprecedented relief from tight, sore muscles, headaches, and many other things!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Feet up a wall pose\\nSeems pretty basic right? Lying down and propping your feet and legs up against a wall. Maybe so, but the benefits of feet up a wall pose are tremendous, especially if you decided to hold it for longer periods of time.\\nIn this pose, you get a good hamstring stretch and release the muscles in your lower back. This inverted pose is passive and helps you melt into the floor as you let go of stress anxiety. \\nFeet up a wall pose also:\\n\\nReduces swelling in the feet and legs\\nRelieves migraine headache pain\\nHelps manage varicose veins\\nImproves thyroid function\\nPromotes better circulation\\nHelps you sleep better\\nImproves digestion\\nThat’s a lot for a yoga pose where you get to lay down and relax, right? Inverted poses are also wonderful for promoting lymph flow, which is important for immunity, amongst other things.\\nSee? Basic isn’t always bad!\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Butterfly pose on a wall\\nWhen sitting up is just too much or too hard on your back and knees, you can get the same benefits of this pose lying down!\\nFrom feet up a wall pose, bring the soles of your feet together and bend your knees out to the sides as you slide your feet down the wall. You may like to have a folded blanket, mat, or bolster handy to place under your hips if you experience any discomfort.\\nButterfly pose will stretch out your inner thighs, open your hips, and releases tension in your lower back. All while allowing you to rest and relax!\\nAnd because you’re doing this pose up against the wall instead of sitting upright, you’ll be able to focus more on allowing your body to stretch and relax passively versus worrying about the proper alignment of your spine or utilizing muscles that you need to use when you’re sitting.\\n\\n\\n\\n3. King Arthur’s Pose\\nWhile walls are great for relaxing, gravity-induced yoga poses, they also help yogis deepen their practice in a way that’s safe and promotes good alignment. King Arthur’s Pose is a great example of how yogis can experience a deeper stretch than they normally would doing other similar poses without the assistance of a wall.\\nKing Arthur’s Pose will stretch and lengthen the quadriceps and hip flexors, which is particularly helpful for people who sit a lot during the day for work or school. \\nThis pose feels sooooooo good! Even if you’re already pretty bendy.\\nAnother benefit to this wall pose is that it’s very stabilizing. No need to be wobbling around for standing quad stretches or worrying about keeping your knees protected. This pose takes care of all of that for you!\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Reclined Pigeon Pose\\nThis wall pose version of reclined pigeon pose might be even better than the original!\\nWhy? Because there’s no reaching or grabbing or holding onto anything involved in practicing it. Plus, you can adjust the intensity of this pose by bringing you hips closer to or further away from the wall.\\nReclined pigeon pose will bring sweet relief to tight hips and glutes, as well as releasing tension in the lower back muscles. This wall pose also helps:\\n\\nRelieve sciatica or piriformis issues\\nImprove digestion\\nIncrease blood flow and circulation to pelvis\\nOpen the hips\\nYou may want to rest your head on a pillow or blanket during this pose, but it is not advised to place one under your hips as it could cause your hips to be uneven.\\n\\n5. Standing Forward Bend\\nBesides the fact that beginner yogis and yogis who aren’t super flexible, are older, or have issues with vertigo may struggle to balance during standing forward bend, this wall pose also can help people deepen the stretch in their hamstrings and glutes.\\nSome people really struggle with forward bend, and that’s ok! It doesn’t matter how simple a yoga pose is, if using a wall helps you do a pose correctly and safely, then we’re all for it!\\nThe key to getting the most out of standing forward bend (with or without a wall) is to make sure you allow your head to drop down and hang. Forward bend stretches out the entire spine, the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back muscles.\\nThis inversion pose also helps alleviate migraine pain and headaches and brings more circulation to the brain and scalp. Which is great for cleansing the lymphatic system and boosts immunity.\\nThere are many other poses you can practice using a wall. If you’re familiar with yoga, try these wall yoga poses as well:\\nMelting heart\\nMonkey pose (with back foot anchored)\\nKing Cobra\\nSupine reclined twist\\nSide plank\\nCheck out our latest article on \\n5 Yin Yoga Poses to Loosen Your Hips\\n\\nNeed some help discovering new ways to practice ancient moves? Maybe you aren’t sure about how to perform specific poses, whether it’s against a wall or not. We understand that!\\nGood thing MyYogaTeacher has several solution options for that! If you haven’t checked out our affordable 1:1 membership plans,\\n you can sign up for your 2-week free trial and get a look at what’s available to you here!\\n\\nJoin the community of members who are really enjoying the perks of 1:1 instruction at MyYogaTeacher!\\n“Doing yoga 1:1 I get to practice with one teacher who knows what I need and can track progress.” - Erin, MYT member since October 2019\\n“Making a correction with 1:1 yoga is way better than any corrections that are ever made in a group class.” - Michael, MYT member since October 2019\\n“There is more focus on your alignment and you get more personal attention with 1:1. You make progress a lot quicker because the teacher is able to fully focus on you and change the techniques based on your body type and need.” - Kashmira, MYT member since November 2019\\n\\nLearn more and sign up here!\\n\\n\n\n\n\n"}},{"id":"ckoa1aav4qv5a0b63w9h2eb4j","slug":"yoga-101-what-is-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga 101: What Is Yoga? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started","createdAt":"2021-05-04T12:54:40.207865+00:00","coverUrl":"ozfwdauigdcdmkiwkeqs.png","content":{"text":"What Is Yoga?\\nYoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word \"yoga\" means \"that which brings you to reality.\" Taken literally, the word means \"union.\" Many take this to mean a \"union of the body and mind.\" Some might add \"spirit\" to the mix.\\n\\nThe word comes from the Sanskrit root word \"yuj,\" which means \"union,\" \"integration,\" or \"wholeness.\"\\n\\nThere are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you'll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.\\n\\nTo get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to \\nsign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher\\n. Once inside, you'll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a \\nYoga 101 class\\n that you'll probably enjoy if you're here reading this article!\\n\\nPaths of Yoga\\n\\n\\nYoga philosophy\\n tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That's why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let's take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.\\n\\nBhakti Yoga (Devotion)\\nBhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It's typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.\\nBhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.\\n\\nJnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)\\nJnana comes from the Sanskrit for \"knowledge.\" This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.\\n\\nJnana yoga is called the \"science of the self,\" by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.\\n\\nKarma Yoga (Selfless Service)\\nKarma means \"action.\" Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.\\n\\nThis practice is \"work as worship,\" cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.\\n\\nRaja Yoga (Meditation)\\nThe fourth path of yoga we're going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means \"royalty\" or \"kind\" in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nThis type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into \\neight limbs\\n:\\nYamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)\\nNiyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)\\nAsana: the postures practiced in yoga\\nPranayama: breath control\\nPratyahara: internal awareness\\nDharana: concentration\\nDhyana: meditation\\nSamadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy\\nStyles of Yoga\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let's turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.\\n\\nSome of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.\\n\\nThis is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n, you'll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, \\ndiabetes\\n, and more.\\n\\nKriya Yoga\\nKriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.\\n\\nHatha Yoga\\nHatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). \\nHatha classes\\n tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It's truly a \"moving meditation.\"\\n\\nVinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, \\nVinyasa\\n tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It's a physically demanding practice without a set structure.\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga\\nAshtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.\\n\\nIyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.\\n\\nKundalini Yoga\\n\\nKundalini yoga\\n is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\nBikram yoga is often called \"hot yoga\" since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It's named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It's a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style's founder, you'll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.\\n\\nYin Yoga\\nYin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It's a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.\\n\\nPower Yoga\\nThere are several different forms of \\npower yoga\\n but it's always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.\\n\\nRestorative Yoga\\nOn the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, \\nrestorative yoga\\n practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga\\nSo far, we've covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you'd practice yoga in the first place.\\n\\nThere have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.\\nBetter posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.\\nImproved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.\\nIncreased strength. Yoga isn't easy. Many of the poses \\nchallenge muscles\\n in the legs, shoulders, and core.\\nCardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.\\nBetter brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.\\nWrapping Up\\nBy now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from."}}],"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=65869171-7f5a-4556-8ddd-3ab45a482c17\n href=\"/free-trial-o?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(\"65869171-7f5a-4556-8ddd-3ab45a482c17\")\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":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","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. 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><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. 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