The Purpose of Yoga - Yogic Stress
Management
By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
Have you ever noticed that people who exercise regularly
have more energy, less stress, and seem to get more done
in a day than those who do not have the time for
exercise? Why does exercise increase your energy level,
and how is it possible to be more productive in less
time? As you know, Yoga is more than an exercise; but
you will discover solutions for stress management within
and any form of Yoga - even the less physical styles. In
fact, Yoga is a lifestyle full of methods to relieve you
from stress. People often say they have no time for
meditation, breathing correctly (Pranayama), eating
correctly, good hygiene, good posture (asanas), giving
to others, or praying to God. Most Yoga teachers do not
cover all of these Yogic aspects, within their classes,
but some do. The masses have no time for Yoga, or
improving their life, but they are full of stress,
anxiety, and bad feelings, because they are reacting to
life. Yoga practitioners have a pro-active lifestyle,
which is much similar to the person who wakes up early
to exercise, walk, or run in the early morning. Most
people are reacting to deadlines at work, and home,
every day. People often worry about lack of income,
finances, and their relationships, because they do not
have a plan and see no solution to the never ending
cycle of excessive stress. All of this worrying,
stress, anxiety, and lack of positive action, contribute
to a variety of ailments, poor quality life, and
premature death. So, how does a "stressed out" person
begin to design a plan to change his or her lifestyle,
before it "gets cut short" by stress? There are many
places to go, and the solutions do not have to take
place all at the same time. Writing a list, of what
bothers you, is a start. You could list the problems on
the left side of your sheet and list possible solutions
on the right side of the sheet. To be honest, Yoga
could be the solution to most of your problems, but you
have to take action. You have to want to take action,
and move in a positive direction for your complete
health. Your local Yoga or wellness center probably has
most, or all, of the solutions you seek, "under one
roof." So, why does exercise increase your energy
level and how is it possible to be more productive in
less time? About increasing productivity: A "spark" of
energy from Yoga exercise (Asanas), Sun Salutations,
meditation, or Pranayama, in the early morning, will
create a positive flow of energy within your body, mind,
and spirit, for the rest of the day. Some would say a
coffee will do the same thing. However, if you are not
exercising, excessive amounts of coffee will usually
cause more stress and anxiety. The body is "screaming"
for some form of exercise, if it is full of energy and
you sit down all day. If you are exercising regularly,
moderate amounts of coffee should be fine.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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