Stress-related health problems are so prevalent in our society, that the United States Public Health Service has actually set a goal to see that changes are made. While some stress can be motivating, no one benefits from long-term anxiety and worry.

Individual reactions are partially influenced by sensitive sympathetic nervous systems – the fight or flight response that speeds up the pulse rate, tightens muscles, and disrupts the endocrine system. Even significant events, such as death or illness, are made more or less stressful, by the way they are perceived.

If the brain has a store of negative memories that it relates to new stressors, the conscious mind perceives them as a threat. The subconscious mind then reacts, by generating physical and emotional responses, that fit accordingly. Eventually, the conscious mind becomes overwhelmed and filters information less effectively, by firing off negative alarms to the subconscious. The subconscious responds by sending adrenaline to the body, and a cycle develops.

Learning to avoid thoughts and actions, that perpetuate stressful reactions in their early stages, addresses the problem at its root level. Practicing the following Yoga relaxation techniques lowers stress levels and clears the mind. Read the rest of this entry »