Stress can be highly personal - for one person an unpleasant experience is to another an exhilarating adventure. A dose of stress can be good for memory and motivation, however, 70% of doctor visits and 80% of serious illnesses may be exacerbated or linked to stress.
Stress is causing us suffering, in our minds, in our bodies and in our wallets.
Health Care associated with stress related illnesses is costing the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion a year in lost productivity, as well as billions more in medical costs.
Why do we Stress?
The mind is a powerful tool that sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. We have the ability to predict, plan and anticipate. With these abilities comes a whole briefcase full of negative side effects for our beautiful minds...
With the power to foresee, we fret- focused on the future, creates anxiety
With the power to revisit and remember, we dwell - living in the past leads to depression
Only in the present is there peace.
We are burdened with the constant bombardment of an over stimulated mind.
So what is the answer?
Self-Regulation
Mindfulness studies have seen drastic improvement to the psycho-physical well-being of study participants after only 5 days of practice.
They found that participants of the study reported:
- Reduced levels of cortisol – the stress hormone
- Improved blood flow and electrical activity in their brains
- Improved their quality of breathing
- Improved memory and cognitive ability
- Reduced levels of anxiety
- Reduced levels of depression
- Reduced levels of anger
- Reduced levels of fatigue, and
- “created a state of ah, much like in the morning opening your eyes, looking outside the grass and sunshine, you feel relaxed, calm and refresh without any stress”
So what did this Mindfulness study involve?
It will come to no surprise to Yogis that the bulk of the Mindfulness plan revolved around the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
In Ashtanga Yoga ("Eight Limbs" Yoga) We are taught to allow Yoga to integrate into all aspects of our lives. Moving more towards the inner teachings of Yoga, beyond the physical expression that is Asana.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:
- Yama (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-hoarding),
- Niyama (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual purification, study of sacred texts, and devotion to one's higher power),
- Asana (Physical Postures),
- Pranayama (Breath Control),
- Pratyahara (Withdraw of the 5 senses),
- Dharana (Focus and Concentration),
- Dhyana (Meditation),
- Samadhi (Taping into the supreme state of consciousness - the goal of all yoga practice).
Yoga is for EVERYONE --You can practice Yoga absolutely anywhere regardless of your background, level of experience, body type, religion, or age.
- Taking a moment to focus on your breath-Stop and take 10 deep breaths
- Recite a Mantra with a Mala - Try one of our small wrist Malas from Jala Mala for Japa Meditation.
- Attend an Asana Class - We have great beginner level classes as well as workshops to suite all yoga practitioners or for a private introduction to Yoga we love private classes and would be honoured to guide you through a tailored class just for you.
- Yoga Nidra/Guided Meditation - Get your meditation practice started with one on one guided practice.
Get started to happier, calmer and more chilled out version of yourself today.
I would love to hear from you! Send us a message here http://www.brandoncityyoga.com/contact.html can't wait to discuss this blog post with you.
