Relax your soul with Yoga!

Yoga takes its origin from the Hindu religion with the goal to achieve full peacefulness throughout the mind and body. It is a very efficient stress relief technique because its very precise movements derive your attention away from the busy, stressful life to the current moment while undergoing different bodily positions that require concentration and balance. For more information on the history of yoga, visit this website: http://healthylifestyle.upmc.com/StressYoga.htm

Yoga has been shown to be very effective in increasing immunity, developing elasticity in the diaphragm, the stamina and the strength of other parts of your body. When you are under stress, the diaphragm becomes stiff. Yoga helps to stretch it so that it can handle all amounts of stress (physically, emotionally, or intellectually). Here are some benefits of yoga:

Health Benefits of Yoga:
-Improves flexibility and joint mobility
-Strengthens and tones muscles
-Increases stamina
-Improves digestion
-Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
-Improves circulation
-Boosts immune response

Mental Benefits of Yoga:
-Increases positive body awareness
-Relieves chronic stress patterns in the body
-Relaxes the mind and body
-Centers attention
-Sharpens concentration

Here is a great video clip of a man practicing yoga in India (advanced yoga, don't try this at home until you become an expert): http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9Sq1RvuoA

...and here's one for beginners: http://youtube.com/watch?v=C639ArXu1iw

EXERCISE!

What do you do to relieve your stress? Take drugs, pain medication, drink alcohol, smoke, or maybe eat too much? You might feel that these things help you reduce your stress, but in reality it is actually making you more vulnerable and sensitive to more stress.

One major healthy way to reduce is to exercise. Come on, it's not that bad.... Exercise reduces the production of stress hormones and neurochemicals. Which in turn prevents you from damaging your body from prolonged stress. Some research suggests that exercising acts as an antidepressant, anxiolytic (fights anxiety), and sleeping aid for many people.

So how does exercise reduce stress?
-It pumps up your endorphins (your brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters)
-It helps to better cope with your stressors
-It's meditation in movement
-It improves your mood

How do I get started?
-Consult your doctor
-Walk before you run
-Exercise in ways that you love (swimming, playing tennis)
-Pick a time and stick with it

How do I motivate myself to stick to it?
-Set goals (small goals at first, then gradually increase them)
-Find a friend
-Spice up your routines and change them sometimes

To help you further, here is a GREAT interactive site with more information about stress and how to manage it. It has some really beneficial tips:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/managingstress/htm/_no_50_no_0.htm