Anxiety and stress are normal part of life. In fact, we should never, EVER attempt to eliminate them completely (I mean, seriously, good luck with that).
But here’s another fun fact..
Relaxation can actually NOT exist without stress, and life is certainly not meant to be rainbows 🌈 and unicorns, and good vibes 😇.
But in this healthy game between stress and relaxation, there’s a key player called resilience. Google defines resilience as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or toughness.”
You see, stress doesn’t just come from physical labor. The stress response can actually be triggered by overwhelming thoughts about the past, present, or future, traumas, and anything considered a threat by the mind.
When the stress is activated, a series of physiological changes begin to occur: blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, blood sugar goes up, muscles tense…
This is a normal reaction that helps to prepare us for action in order to “fight or flight.”
But what happens when stress tips the scale and resiliency can no longer do its job?
What happens is that the consistent overload and subsequent physiological changes may certainly lead to long-term stress…
…which according to the National Institute of Mental Health, can then lead to circulatory dis-ease, immune dysfunction, chronic anxiety, depression, and other stress-related conditions.
FREE Yoga Nidra for Anxiety
Now, what about the relaxation response?
The relaxation response is related to the Parasympathetic nervous system and it’s often called the “rest and digest” response.
When the life-threatening situation subsides, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated to induce homeostasis (balance) within the body.
Dr. Herbert Benson has done beautiful research work on the relaxation response. His studies have shown that the relaxation response can be activated using various mindfulness based techniques such as breathing, yoga, prayer, repeating a calming word, and Tai Chi, to name a few.
The following Vinyasa flow practice is specifically designed to relieve stress and anxiety. The class includes the following grounding and relaxation techniques:
- Pranayama techniques (breathing)
- Mindful movement
- Grounding (standing poses)
- Restorative
- And a 15-minute yoga Nidra.
Full 52-minute Vinyasa Flow Class to Relief Anxiety and Stress
We begin the practice by noticing the breath. We then add some movement in order to shake-off restlessness and inability to be still. Then, we practice the 3-part breath technique.
We then move the body again. This helps to gradually bring the body and mind into stillness. Then, static poses for grounding and focus. We finish with a sweet 15-minute Yoga Nidra practice.
Props needed:
Two blocks and a blanket
