What happens when you get angry? You might clinch your jaws and teeth. Did you know your breath also shallows when you’re stressed out? That’s not the only thing that’s happening to your body when you’re in the midst of jammed traffic, screaming kids, or being confronted by an upset boss or customer. Your body’s fight-flight-or-freeze response kicks in. It’s a defense mechanism. That’s great as long as you’re not regularly in that mode. Stress can arrive anywhere and at anytime. That’s where yoga plays a role in de-stressing. Check out what the Mayo Clinic reports:
“Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga, in particular, may be a good choice for stress management.”
April is Stress Awareness Month. Ironically, you may not really know how stressed you are until you’re kicking in that mind-boy connection. Stressed right now? Try this:
Stop
Close your eyes
Pay attention to your breathing
Without changing your breath, count every time you exhale
You should begin to feel a difference rather quickly. See if you're still clinching your jaw…and make it a priority to visit a class at The Yoga Loft.
By Doug Adamson
Mayo Clinic article
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