Andrea Lee M.OMSc, Osteopathic MT, Yoga Instructor Charu Shankar Yoga Instructor Have you ever noticed the amount of tension that our bodies hold due to stress? You may have noticed after an exceptionally stressful day, that you have a headache or are fatigued, but did you notice any physical pains that may have increased due to your stress? Our body often tenses up after a stressful experience as part of a psychosomatic stress response. This is a normal response to stress and is often paired with a typical sympathetic response such as increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, or increased sweating. There are a few key areas of the body that are most affected by this psychosomatic response: 1) Shoulders, neck, and jaw 2) Diaphragm 3) Hips and pelvic floor These stress responses often correct themselves once our bodies are calm and we feel more balanced. However, prolonged stress can result in these responses lasting for a longer duration which can be very hard on our physical health. It is important to find the tools to help ourselves manage our stress for our overall emotional and physical health.
In addition to breathing and meditation, here are 5 yoga asanas that you may consider to help alleviate physical tension. 1)Standing Cobra: (neck, shoulders, diaphragm) 2) Standing Side Bend: (shoulders, ribs, diaphragm) 3)Spinal Twist: (diaphragm) 4) Bridge: (hips, pelvic floor) 5) Neck Rotation: (shoulders neck and jaw) Looking for more support? Join us in studio for a yoga class, complimentary for the month of November or come in and see one of our knowledgable practitioners.
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