3 Reasons Why Yoga Works to Relieve Stress & Anxiety

By Jola @YolaYoga | May 20, 2021

Yoga is considered one of the best approaches that help to relieve stress and anxiety. But have you ever wondered why?

Stress is a significant risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, immune system disorders, periodontal disease, and depression. Therefore reducing stress levels can greatly improve one’s health and quality of life. Studies show that yoga might be a useful tool in the treatment of diseases directly related to high levels of stress. 

Yoga might be one of the best overall systems ever invented for stress reduction.

The practice of yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines. Any system of yoga can greatly help to reduce stress levels. Hatha Yoga in particular, which is practiced at a slower pace, may help to relieve stress and it is a strong choice for stress management. Here are its core components: 

Poses (Asanas). Yoga poses are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses also stimulate the nervous system, which is found to function in alleviating stress.

Breathing (Pranayama). Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control the body and quiet the mind.

Meditation (Dyana). In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or relaxation. Meditation may help you learn to be more mindful and to live in the present moment. 

The following are 3 reasons why yoga works to relieve stress: 

1. Yoga lowers cortisol levels.

Cortisol is the “stress” hormone that is responsible for flight or fight responses and causes a sharp rise in adrenaline and heart rate. Research has shown that people who practice yoga regularly have low cortisol levels, which greatly reduce stress levels. The practice of yoga may help improve patients’ health while suffering from chronic diseases caused by stress.

2. Yoga helps to increase GABA levels.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain that has a calming effect. This chemical tends to be in lower levels in people with anxiety and mood disorders. Study shows that the practice of yoga increases the production of GABA chemical. As a result, it helps to relieve anxiety and stress.

3. Yoga helps to increase Vagal Tone.

Vagal tone measures the state of the vagus nerve—our largest cranial nerve, which runs from the base of the skull down to the body’s respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. The vagus nerve helps to regulate all our major bodily functions: breath, heart rate, digestion, and immune response, as well as affecting our emotional state. 

The practice of yoga stimulates the nervous system and the vagus nerve. As a result, that may help increase vagal tone, which helps improve our mood, heart function, and digestion. Ultimately, with an improved vagal tone, we can manage life’s challenges better. Studies show that increased vagal tone has a positive impact on our mental and physical health. A higher vagal tone also means that the body can relax faster after stress. 

Conclusion

Yoga is one of the best overall natural systems for stress reduction. It is an ancient method backed by modern science. Ultimately when we practice yoga we are more relaxed, resilient, and ready to take on life’s challenges.

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