Fitness: 5 ways yoga helps you de-stress

How does yoga help to soothe stress? Let us count the ways. Best Health asked for insights from David Good, a yoga instructor at studios including Breathe Yoga Studio in Toronto. He is also a Lululemon Ambassador. “I believe in opening the mind and heart to a new way of thinking about your body and potential.” He says yoga can help you feel less stressed in these five ways.

‘ It provides muscle relief. From shoulders to neck, hips and lower back, yoga releases tension due to stress in these major store houses by lengthening the muscles and creating gaps between joints and bones.

‘ It promotes healthy organs. Yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, Good says. “Whereas the sympathetic nervous system is your ‘flight or fight’ trigger, the parasympathetic nervous system helps you relax by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your digestion and boosting your immune system.”

‘ It gets you fit inside and out. A healthy workout is good for the body and soul. Yoga helps you to become leaner, build muscle and de-clutter your conscience’all in one go.

‘ It leads to clarity and focus. “Yoga teaches you the art of concentration, which helps you to establish a real sense of self,” Good says.

‘ It builds emotional strength. Meditation through yoga forces you take a pause and to reflect, which over time enables you to better handle stress and face issues with a stronger, more positive and confident approach.

Look for Best Health and David Good of Breathe Yoga Studio on September 29 at an upcoming mass yoga event in Toronto. For full details, go to http://junctionlife.ca/newsletters/2013-09-13/.

DUKE Condos (junctionlife.ca) is putting on the event in the Junction neighbourhood to promote healthy community living; developed by city builders, TAS, the condo will be built by 2015 on the site where the mass yoga event is taking place.

Related:

‘ 8 yoga moves to boost your energy
‘ 3 health benefits of yoga
‘ 3 yoga poses for beginners