What’s so good about yoga and mindfulness?

 

The stressful lives we all lead today (and particular at this uncertain time) mean that we spend much of our time in the sympathetic nervous system where we’re constantly on high alert, in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Subsequently, our breathing and heart rate will often be fast, our digestive system can shut down, we’re full of adrenaline and our immunity can be compromised.

 

Breathing and movement

 

The focus on breathing and specific movements in yoga helps to put the body back into the parasympathetic nervous system (our body’s natural homeostasis or balance) where we produce more serotonin and oxytocin (happy hormones) and dopamine (neurotransmitter sending messages within our brain).

 

Benefits of yoga and mindfulness

 

Regular yoga and mindfulness practice helps the digestive system to be more effective, it steadies heart rate and breathing, balances metabolism, increases immunity and helps the brain to engage more effectively. Yoga also stimulates the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the body and subsequently promotes memory. The breathing and movement practices in yoga help you to self-regulate, manage emotions, improve motor planning and coordination and increase concentration and attention.