Yoga for stress relief

Release the tension

Lee Kennedy

The tensions of daily life have an enormous impact on our emotions. In yogic science, the secretions of the hormonal system are believed to influence the mind and the nervous system. Strong emotions are linked to hormonal imbalances which leave us vulnerable to infection and conditions like insomnia, mental fatigue, irritability and stress.
While all can be triggered to a transient crisis and usually pass with the stress that causes them, they can also be chronic and associated with medical or psychiatric conditions or long-term medication.
Stress can often manifest itself in short bursts of impatience or overreaction to everyday events that one would normally take in one’s stride. Stress itself can be caused by a variety of factors – major life changes, such as separation or bereavement, and by sleep deprivation, work-related anxieties or allergies. Mental fatigue is characterised by forgetfulness, irritability, boredom, confusion, lack of concentration and depression, all of which can cause lack of sleep.
The potential seriousness of these conditions is often underestimated, and they can have grave implications for our health. The following yoga asana works on the endocrine glands and central nervous system to pacify the nerves, reduce the respiratory rate and calm a stressed body and mind. This inverted stretch also brings fresh blood to the heart as well as the lungs, increasing the entire body’s overall energy levels. It also stretches and strengthens the muscles of the shoulders, arms, hamstrings and calves.

Downward Facing Dog pose
> Begin on your hands and knees, with your knees directly below your hips (about hip width apart) and your hands slightly forward of your shoulders.
> Spread your fingers wide apart palms, with your index fingers parallel, and curl your toes under.
> Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor. Firstly, keep the knees slightly bent and the heels lifted away from the floor. Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis and press it lightly toward the pubis.
> Lift the sitting bones toward the ceiling, and from your inner ankles draw the inner legs up into the groins.
> With an exhalation, push your top thighs back and stretch your heels towards the floor.
> Firm your shoulder blades against your back, then widen them and draw them toward the tailbone.
> Keep your head between your upper arms. If you feel you need it, use a block or folded blanket to support your head.
> Bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest.

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) should not be practiced if you have diarrhoea, arthritis or a fever. If you have a stiff spine, high blood pressure or prone to recurrent headaches or varicose veins always practice with your head supported on a block.