yoga nidra: Use yoga and meditation to recover from stress

Stress is an integral part of life these days. While it is good in moderate amounts, it becomes very costly when it becomes chronic and omnipresent. Chronic stress leads to burnout, depression, and fatigue. It also manifests as many health ailments related to metabolism and stress hormones like Type II Diabetes, PCOS/PCOD, Heart issues, etc. That is why it has become almost urgent that we regularly make time for stress recovery and relaxation to improve our quality of life and longevity.

One of the best ways to recover from the physical and mental stresses of the workplace is Yoga. It offers a holistic solution that includes postures, breathwork, and meditation. All three combined help you achieve a complete mind-body. Namita Piparaiya, Yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle specialist, suggests ways Yoga and medication can help in recovering from stress.

1. Postures / Asana

Regular practice of Yoga asana helps release tension and stiffness from the body while also helping you calm down the mind. In addition, you can derive significant benefits from simple yoga stretches that can be done while at work. The most important ones are the shoulders and hip flexors. Stretching these two areas during the workday is excellent for posture and energy levels.

2. Breathwork / Pranayama

This is even more accessible and powerful than postures. As anyone can do this while sitting at their desk. Breath is one of the most powerful tools to directly influence our state of mind. Yogic breathing practices are beneficial for anxiety and anger management. Even 5-10 breaths can have a profound influence on mood. Equal Breathing and Box Breathing are two techniques that executives must learn and practice regularly.

3. Meditation / Dhyana

Last but not least is a meditation practice that is also the most powerful form of Yoga. Asana works on the body, Pranayama on the breath, and Meditation on the mind. It helps us improve our cognitive skills, focus, concentration, and creativity and can even help us change old habits and behaviour patterns. So, if you're looking for true transformation and improved performance, you must incorporate Meditation into your routine. Even if you don't enjoy Meditation, you can do guided practices like NSDR, Yoga Nidra, or Body Scans.

Yoga is a very carefully crafted ancient system that starts with the body, progresses to the breath, and finally to the mind. The best part is that you don't need to learn complicated things to get all the benefits of this practice. You simply need to be consistent with what you like and enjoy. Even if of short duration or mild in nature, the regular practice has a great capacity for transformation and stress management. It empowers you to take charge of your mental and physical health and gives you the necessary tools to navigate our highly stressful modern lives.