NIH encourages deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga to counteract effects of stress

What is the “stress reset button” and how can we access it? 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently updated their resource page for health information and stress, highlighting psychological and physical approaches like breathing, mindfulness, and yoga to release tension and promote the relaxation response. 

“There is no drug to cure stress,” they report. “But we do have access to a built-in ‘stress reset button.’ It’s called the relaxation response. In contrast to the stress response, the relaxation response slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases oxygen consumption and levels of stress hormones.”

They go on to list a number of techniques people can use to counteract the negative effects of stress, and group these techniques into three domains: relaxation techniques (including deep breathing), meditation and mindfulness practices, and yoga. Research shows that engaging in the techniques listed can have a number of health benefits, including

  • improved sleep, 
  • lower blood pressure,
  • reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression,
  • help with coping ability, and
  • increased well-being.

Yoga therapy involves drawing on techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindful movement to help achieve some of these outcomes. To learn more about the research and health benefits of specific relaxation and stress-reducing techniques, read the full article here

Help yourself or a loved one find ease through yoga therapy by locating an IAYT-certified yoga therapist here.

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