Yoga and Stress Management

It happens, when I am urged to relax, my immediate response can be that of resistance. It can be felt like one more duty in an already busy daily life. Do you recognize yourselves? Why is it that we can feel that way?

The reasons can be several. Often the body is excited and there is an exaltation in the mind. There could be unreleased energy in the system. We can be tired but we don’t allow ourselves to feel it. There can be an emotional charge that we do not feel we have power, courage or trust to let go of. Yes, most of us are carrying burdens that we are not aware of. Perhaps we are not in the habit to listen to our bodies? Perhaps we never really learned how to do that?   

When the burden of pent-up tiredness, emotions etc. becomes too big for the body to be able to carry we start to experiencing symptoms of exhaustion. It can be difficult to organize ourselves. There can be tiredness that we do not manage to catch up with. The memory can be wavering.

How can yoga be a help for you in this situation?

Foremost yoga is prevention. Through yoga you learn how to listen, accept and love yourself in every moment. You learn to understand the signals that are coming from your body. You get to know that your body is wise and that you can trust what it is telling you. You learn in yoga to “open the inner ear”, and free your mind.

But if an exhaustion has afflicted you, yoga is for there to support you in healing and recovering.

It is a great help in this situation to find a routine where you do yoga, at the same time, at the same place every day. Preferably in a group if possible, or in a hidden, cozy corner at home where you feel totally safe.

The synchronization of breath and movement. The steady, calm pace is a clear communication to our nervous system that it is safe to relax. The caring, non-assuming, non-expecting impulses that we feed our mind with in yoga will directly nourish and help heal our whole system.  

To recognize the resistance, we might have to relax. When we accept that resistance is there and know it has a reason, our dive down on the yogamat becomes easier. When you have made the first moves you are over the threshold and it may become easier.

I often have to remind myself that a generous rest in shavasana after yoga is the most important part of the practice!

All is well! Be in Peace.

Edeli Leijerstam – Sama Yoga teacher in Skåne