08/10/2026
Yesterday I posted about the concept of using yoga to build stress resilience as opposed to using it "just" to alleviate symptoms of stress. I thought it might be useful to expand on this, and to show you how we are easily building stress resilience in every class.
1. Nervous System Regulation
Yoga helps us move from a "fight or flight" stress response into a parasympathetic state, also known as the calm "rest and digest" response. This is a useful practice for your body, alternating between physical movement and relaxation, training you mind and body to recover quicker, turning off the sympathetic nervous system when it's not longer needed, making it easier to move into a parasympathetic state.
2. Pranayama
Our practice of pranayama (breathing techniques help to lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Mindful breathing interrupts anxious thoughts and can bring about an immediate sense of control.
3. Asana
Certain asana (yoga postures) help us to release physical tension, and we can target the areas that typically store tension such as the low back, neck and shoulders. This practice gives us the tools we need to release stress and tension whenever we need to - I bet you all have a favourite stress releasing posture that you do away from class.
4. Enhanced Self-Awareness
I very much encourage you to practice your yoga with awareness on your mind, body and emotions, helping you notice early signs of stress, such as shallow breathing or tight muscles, and to know what it feels like when you are relaxed. As you build this skill you can respond calmly to situations, hopefully avoiding a reactive response.
5. Neuroplasticity
This is a fun word isn't it :)? Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change, adapt, and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When we do some yoga that is unfamiliar or a bit of a challenge we are training the brain to adapt flexibly to change and build new mental "muscles", and because we are doing this during our yoga practice, we feel safe and confident, making it even more efficacious.
What do you think of this list? Do you agree, have you experienced any of these for yourself? Do you want to add anything to the list? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this subject.
