Simple Stress Relief

Life sometimes comes at you so fast that even stopping to take a deep breath seems like an impossibility. When this happens on a long-term basis, the body goes into stress mode—a state of high alert. In the short term, stress is meant to kick-start you into action. (Just think about the effect of a car swerving in front of you on the highway—react quickly, and your life is saved.) But the body isn't meant to be in this state 24/7. Studies show that chronic stress inhibits your capacity to heal and increases the likelihood of developing physical and emotional problems, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, immune dysfunction, and depression.

To break the cycle, it helps to train your thought processes and body reactions to slow down. Practicing a style of mind-body exercise known as "restorative yoga" is one simple and effective way to do this. Restorative yoga helps repair health with gentle positions that alleviate the stress and fatigue we accumulate during daily life. (click here to read full article)