Effects of long term Stress
In the West, for over 50 years the effects of Yogic practices have been studied and tested as possible treatments against depression and anxiety. Anxiety issues, Burn-out and depression are often the result of long-term distress. Being in these states for longer has disruptive effects on the life and overall health. When we get caught in the stress-system we loose the ability to regulate the stress. This, it accumulates in our body and starts to disorganize our biological pathways. We develop increased stress responses and remain in tension physically and mentally. We are weaker and less able to create the life we want. Exhaustion and frustration combined with symptoms as sleep disorders or digestion problems make us less happy and life-quality decreases (Study)
Yoga practice against Anxiety
Through the downregulation of the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) that controls the stress response, Yoga and Pranayama trigger a cascade of biochemical, physiological, psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects. By shifting the perception inward, we reduce stress and anxiety. Over time, our system relearns, and the stress response system is modulated, resulting in an overall increase in resilience. This also decreases physiological arousal, which translates into a reduction in heart rate, a decrease in blood pressure, and easier breathing. Not only does the body rejoice when we can recover, heal, and relax again, but our mind also gets refreshed. We feel lighter and more capable of facing life's challenges and regaining access to our talents and strengths. Being in touch with our potential allows us to create the life we desire and achieve our personal goals.