- Worrying about work
- Raising children
- Negative self talk
- Over training
- Under sleeping
- Emotions… the list goes on!
Each form of stress elicits the same result in your body – increased Cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are too high for an extended period of time it can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, brain fog and mood swings. All of which inhibits your weight loss and fitness goals. Adding in daily stress management activities can very impactful on your long term goals. Bottom line – Stress management is important and should not be overlooked!
Adding in daily stress management activities can be very impactful on your long term goals! Continue reading to learn about some ways to coping mechanisms.
How to manage stress:
Deep breathing.
Yoga typically involves deep, slow breathing, which can help you relax and calm your mind. By focusing on your breath, you can slow down your heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and rest.
Mindfulness.
Many yoga practices also involve mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or guided imagery, which can help you tune out distractions and focus on the present moment. This can be particularly helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Physical movement.
Yoga involves physical movement, which can help release tension and promote relaxation. As you move through different poses, you may notice that you feel more relaxed and centered.
Muscle relaxation.
Yoga poses often involve holding the body in various positions, which can help release tension in the muscles. By releasing physical tension, you may also feel more relaxed and at ease mentally.
Improved sleep.
Get 8 + hours if you can! Shut off electronics 2 hours prior to bed and limit fluid intake leading up to bed. A Regular yoga practice has been shown to also improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia, which can help reduce stress levels overall.
Maintain healthy relationships.
Relationships of any kind take effort. Make time for the people who are important and learn how to interact with the challenging people in your life. Communicate and listen, they could be a very important support system for you.
Eat whole foods.
Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, complex carbs, and healthy fats daily.
Positive self talk.
Shift your thinking towards “I can” instead of “I can’t”.
Partake in something that makes you genuinely happy.
Family time, reading for fun, friends, outings, hobbies.
Journaling.
Morning or evening (whichever is preferred) set aside 5 min to write down all of your thoughts and stresses for the day. Leave it on the paper to help clear your head. It is also helpful to remind yourself of something you are grateful for after each entry.
Overall, by incorporating these stress management techniques into your routine, you can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your overall sense of well-being. Even as little as 5 minutes here or there can help! It’s a great way to take a break from the demands of daily life and connect with yourself in a meaningful way.
Ready to get started?
Start your practice with Yoga for Beginners on Sunday mornings at 11am!
Sign up today. Your first class is free.
Complimentary mat rental available. Download our app “True Yoga Steveston” to manage your classes and book in or visit our schedule page.
