Are Yoga and Meditation Good for My Brain? a Scientific Take on Stress Management
Copyright (c) 2007 SharpBrains
Yes!
Yoga, meditation, and visualization are all excellent ways to learn to manage your stress levels. Reducing stress, and the stress hormones, in your system is critical to your brain and overall fitness.
Why is this so? Its clear that our society has changed faster than our genes. Instead of being faced with physical, immediately life-threatening crises that demand instant action, these days we deal with events and illnesses that gnaw away at us slowly, without any stress release.
Dr. Robert Sapolsky, in an interview about his book Why Zebras Dont Get Ulcers, points out that humans uniquely can get stressed simply with thought, turning on the same stress response as does the zebra. But, the zebra releases the stress hormones through life-preserving action, while we usually just keep muddling along, getting more anxious by the moment.
Prolonged exposure to the adrenal steroid hormones like cortisol, released during the stress response, can damage the brain and block the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, which is the key player in encoding new memories in your brain. Recent studies have shown these neurons can be regenerated with learning and environmental stimulation, but while short-term stress may improve attention and memory, chronic stress leads indirectly to cell death and hampers our ability to make changes and be creative enough to even think of possible changes to reduce the stress.
What are the best defenses against chronic stress?
- Exercise strengthens the body and can reduce the experience of stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Relaxation through meditation, tai chi, yoga, or other techniques to lower blood pressure, slow respiration, slow metabolism, and release muscle tension.
- Biofeedback programs that provide real-time information, allowing you to learn effective techniques for reducing stress levels.
- Empowerment, because attitudes of personal confidence and control of your environment resolve the stress response.
- Social network of friends, family, and even pets help foster trust, support, and relaxation.
If you want to learn more about the science behind these recommendations, you can enjoy these scientific papers:
- Bedard M, Felteau M, Mazmanian D, Fedyk K, Klein R, Richardson J, Parkinson W, Minthorn-Biggs MB. Pilot evaluation of a mindfulness-based intervention to improve quality of life among individuals who sustained traumatic brain injuries. Disabil Rehabil. 2003;25:722-31.
- Bremner JD. Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2006;8:445-61.
- Czeh B, Muller-Keuker JI, Rygula R, Abumaria N, Hiemke C, Domenici E, Fuchs E. Chronic Social Stress Inhibits Cell Proliferation in the Adult Medial Prefrontal Cortex: Hemispheric Asymmetry and Reversal by Fluoxetine Treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Dec 13; [Epub ahead of print].
- Warner-Schmidt JL, Duman RS. Hippocampal neurogenesis: opposing effects of stress and antidepressant treatment. Hippocampus. 2006;16:239-49.
Alvaro Fernandez is the CEO and Co-Founder of SharpBrains.com, which provides the latest science-based information for Cognitive Fitness and Cognitive Health, and has been recognized by Scientific American Mind, MarketWatch, Forbes, and more. Alvaro holds MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University, and teaches The Science of Brain Health at UC-Berkeley Lifelong Learning Institute. You can learn more at http://www.sharpbrains.com/
Stress is something that is grasping more people today than it has ever done in mans history. It seems like as we move forward, and technology moves forward, that we have to work and move faster which ultimately causes stress. Can an ancient practice called yoga and yoga meditation be the cure and reliever that so many people need today?
It is quite strange how the two can mix. How can today’s people do yoga, most people would say, however, more and more people don’t hold such a view. Our views are changing and it is perhaps the most important change happening in the west and globally.
For the last few centuries, the field of science and medication is focused primarily on the physical and forget other aspects of us. For example, a doctor heals problems physically. He provides tablets to fix this, that and the other, but never looks at causes. Instead the doctor focuses on the effects.
This view has been held by the public also. And most people will look at holistic healing methods with a sense of none belief at its validity. In fact most methods are methods which doctors and scientists can measure. Instead they will measure the effects again. Even though this is the case, many studies have confirmed the benefits of yoga, and yoga meditation at creating stress relief.
Yoga, and other practices put there thought on holistic methods of healing; that is looking at the whole person rather than simply there body. This includes mind, body, and soul. And here is where science has for so long neglected.
Whereas simply meditating primarily works with the mind aspect, and bringing balance in your mind, it also creates balance in your body. It synergizes you with all your aspects, and allows peace of mind.
Doing meditation, whether that is yoga meditation or any other form of meditation does indeed produce effects on the body. For example relaxing, taking deep breaths and meditating makes your muscles relax. Yoga meditation allows blood to flow freely in the brain, which makes more of a relaxed body.
Here now, we have balance, and when all 3 aspects of you become more balanced, more peace of mind follows. We take the world with delight, and the things that seemed to cause aggravation and stress before, can now dissolve and seem easier to accomplish.
Yoga meditation is not the only way to create this peace of mind and balance. For example Yoga also looks at your diet, and also the well known of Yoga – the gymnastic style exercises. Even though they may seem complicated, there are many postures that are easy to perform, and will give your mind, body, and soul that balance it needs.
Stress can be a big burden. Yoga is simply one way to create peace of mind and relaxation. Some links that you can visit, and can help you are:
Synchronizing yoga sound meditation with breathing helps focus the mind. Do complete yoga breathing if possible, filling your lungs from the bottom to the top. Inhale first to your abdomen, letting it expand; then bring the breath to your middle and then your upper lungs to complete the inhalation. As you exhale, release the air from your upper lungs first, then your middle, and finally your lower lungs, contracting your abdomen slightly as you complete your exhalation. You’ll find the slow, deep breaths very relaxing. I will show you how to do this now.
You have looked at yoga meditation, and it looks like something that can give you benefits. You now have two courses that you can take. Either do meditation at home or go to yoga meditation classes. There are many benefits of yoga meditation classes, and we will be taking a look at them in this article.
In this article on the benefits of yoga meditation classes, you will find:
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
Yoga is a form of meditation which has been practiced in some Asian countries for centuries. The benefits of yoga meditation are immense. Peace of mind is one of them. When you begin meditating, you will find that your thoughts are like a busy highway! You just seem to have so many. You may even be saying you don’t have the time to meditate.
When you meditating, you will find that your mind becomes clearer, and you feel more serene and peaceful. Less stress becomes apparent in the face of adversity, and you can take life in its stride.
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
The question is now that you want to start getting the benefits of yoga meditation, how do you start? There are benefits of yoga meditation classes, and there are benefits to meditating at home.
With Yoga, there are several postures and ways of doing meditation. The benefits of yoga meditation classes verses doing it at home, is that you can learn exactly how to do those postures. You also get to ask your class teacher questions you may have, and get answers to them. Some more benefits of yoga meditation classes, is that you get to meet like minded individuals, and also have more of a commitment to continue.
Doing yoga meditation at home is an option if you simply can’t go to yoga meditation classes, though you would not be getting the full benefits of yoga meditation classes. You will not learn the correct postures, etc. But, still there is hope!
There are many yoga books, and yoga DVD programs that can help you get started in the meditation techniques of yoga. One problem however, is that if you do, do the meditations at home, and learn techniques, then if you decide to go to a yoga meditation class after, you may not see all the benefits of yoga meditation classes. For example, we are creatures of habit. Often when we learn something, even if we are doing it wrong, it can be hard to correct.
* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes
Getting the benefits of yoga meditation classes is possible today. There are many yoga meditation classes in the west, and finding one locally is possible. Whether you are in the US, UK, France or Germany or wherever in the world, you can find a way to get the benefits of yoga meditation classes. A lot of these classes can be found online now, and a simple look around some sites can help you find what you need.
A yoga meditation relaxation track to enjoy, take a break & treat yourself to 10 minutes with your inner self. This relaxation pose will help still your mind. Rated by hundreds of people as a 4.5 star give it a go. Remember to favorite so you can find it again and subscribe for the next release.
Meditation techniques give peace and calmness in a spiritual way. It enlightens the human life. Meditation techniques nurtures and transforms the qualities of an individual by relieving him from stress of daily life. Meditation technique changes the negative thoughts into positive and it is done just by focusing within a one’s self and not outside.
Here are some popular forms of Meditation Techniques:
Concentrative Meditation Technique is performed by focusing the attention on an image, a sound (mantra chanting) or on the breath. Concentrative Meditation technique stills the mind and results in a better clarity and awareness. Concentrative meditation technique can be done simply by focusing on the breath; it is a very basic step. It is believed that there is a direct connection between the state of mind and the breath. When an individual gets agitated, frightened, and anxious or distracted, the breath shallows. But, when the mind is focused and calm, then the breath is deep, regular and slow. If an individual focuses on the rhythm of the process of breath intake and out, it gives an object for meditation. When the breath is focused, the mind gets absorbed in the process of breath intake and out. In result, the breathing becomes deep and slow. It makes the mind more alert.
Zen Meditation – Zen Meditation technique is performed by focusing the attention on the feelings and sensations, sounds, thoughts, images and so forth without thinking about these elements. While meditating, there should be no thinking about the worries, images, thoughts, and memories. Zen meditation technique results in a better state of mind that is clear, calm and non-reactive. Zen meditation technique is done by observing sensations and breathes non-judgmentally and very keenly. Zen meditation technique gradually takes an individual to emptiness & stillness, but it takes some time to master this technique. Zen Meditation technique is the easiest and most effective technique.
Japa Meditation – Japa Meditation technique is mainly performed for easing the tensed and stressed life. Japa Meditation results in a peaceful and calm life. Also it evokes the happiness from within an individual\’s self. Japa meditation technique involves the God’s name. The mantra chanting can be done softly or an individual may chant the mantra loudly. While sitting in a posture of meditation, the Japa meditation technique can be done in addition ot the worship in group or any other peaceful sitting activities.
Mostly, the Japa Meditation technique is performed counting a bead string that is known as Japa Mala. The Vaishnava devotees mostly chant by using a bead string that is made of Holy Basil (Tulsi). There are 108 beads in a Japa Mala. People also wear the Japa Beads around the neck while some wear them on their wrists.
Chakra Meditation – There are energy focal points in our body that are use by us in a conscious or unconscious state if mind. These energy focal points are called Chakras. The focal points are located in the body parts like head or heart. In the Chaka meditation technique, the different postures are used in order to open the Chakras. The hands are placed in a specific position and the body is relaxed, the eyes are closed; the charka is asked to open. Then it is visualized in the mind that the chakra color emanates and the size of the charka becomes larger. As the color becomes brighter, the color’s warmth is easily felt; also the charka emotions are felt. The body organs are felt filled with light and energy.
Bhuta Shuddi is a form of Chakra Meditation of Yoga and Tantra practice through which the five elements (bhutas) are balanced or purified (shuddhi). Bhuta refers to the past, and shuddhi refers to purifying that past, or the samskaras that operate in conjunction with the five elements. This is a very useful practice, whether you think of it as preparation for kundalini awakening, or simply as a practice for feeling balanced, centered, or tranquil, etc. (One of the two foundations of Yoga is Abhyasa, practices seeking of tranquility; Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.14).
For the Chakra Meditation of Bhuta Shuddhi, it is necessary to understand how the five elements relate to the chakras. The five bhutas are the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, and they operate in conjunction with the lower five chakras (at subtle level they are called tanmatras, which are part of tattvas, or subtle constituents). The sixth chakra is of mind, and is beyond or prior to the bursting forth of space, air, fire, water, and finally earth. Consciousness itself (or whatever you want to call it) is prior to, or the source of manifestation of mind, and is the seventh chakra (surely there are other chakras, including between sixth and seventh, but the bhuta shuddhi practice itself need not focus directly on these).
Transcendental Meditation or yoga nidra (popularized by the Bihar School of Yoga), which owe its origin to ancient Hindu meditative techniques, aim towards a totally detached frame of mind. These forms encourage the practitioner to retreat within the inner-self, into the \”real\” world, away from the \”illusions\” (maya) of outside influences. Meditative practices like Mantra yoga, for example, induces the mind to concentrate on a sacred sound by ritualistic chanting, until it attains the trance-like state of samadhi (a state of mind, where it is only responsive to subjective impressions).
Healing Meditation – Healing meditation is practiced after sitting comfortably. It is a belief that the body is filling with light slowly, starting from the feet and then slowly moving upwards. As the light moves up the body, the light is felt like is relaxing the muscles and also the mind. I feel the light moving upwards until my entire body is filled with light and every muscle of my body is feeling relaxed.
Healing meditation calms the mind and gives it a balance state. Healing meditation increases the self esteem and confidence in a person. Healing meditation improve the memory and concentration of the mind. It reduces the tension quickly. It improves the attitude, mood and outlook on life. Healing meditation increases an individual’s problem solving ability.
It is felt like the body of light is radiating the light out from the eyes, the light is shining like a torch is shinning out directly from the eyes. Feel that the soul is directing the light towards the body part that causes discomfort and pain, it represents as a shadow on the body. Imagine like the painful body areas have dark shadows around them. Now feel like you are attracting a healing light to the painful body area, so that the darkness is vanished.
You can feel that this healing light is returning you to health and vitality.
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The Yogic Sleep that comes from a state of conscious deep sleep is the recluse to subtler spiritual realization and to combat sleep- and stress-related disorders. Yoga Nidra helps in providing relief from stress, insomnia, blood pressure, heart ailments, depression and mental illnesses and in unveiling a path of happiness and serenity. Click www.rajshri.com to watch more Baba Ramdev Videos.
Whether you are just starting yoga or you have been doing it for a while, you may need to decide when during the day to do your yoga routine. Most people who have practiced yoga for a long time have probably changed the time they do yoga each day. We all adjust our daily schedules now and then. Let’s explore some of the different times of day you can do yoga.
Morning – You can do yoga in the morning if you want. Doing yoga in the morning will help wake you up fully and prepare you for the day. Also, assuming you usually shower in the mornings, you can use your morning shower to wash off after yoga practice. Unfortunately, if you have to go to work early in the mornings, you will probably need to get up earlier. Also, you may have trouble squeezing in breakfast with your yoga practice. You want to eat when you wake up before doing yoga, but you also probably do not want to do yoga immediately after eating.
Afternoon – Trying to do yoga in the afternoon may not work if you have a busy schedule. You may not find time for it. Even if you do find time, you may find yourself feeling rushed and stressed during your yoga practice, which may ruin it for you. On the plus side, doing yoga in the afternoon may help you avoid doing yoga when you are tired in the morning or at night. Many people find that they are at their physical and mental peak during the afternoon. Also, afternoon yoga may act as a stress-relieving break from your daily activities.
Evening and Night – You can do yoga during the evening or at night. This would probably include any time from when you get home from work until you go to bed. By waiting until nighttime, you can do your yoga without having to worry about your daily chores and getting to work on time. On the downside, you may feel tired at night, which can negatively impact your yoga routine. Also, if you are worn out from the day, that may cause you to skip your yoga practice. Some people may also find that doing yoga at night hinders their ability to fall asleep.
Obviously, the best time for you to do yoga depends on your personal schedule and preferences.
People who take yoga classes at a studio or gym may be have less options because they have to go at the set time of the class. Although, many studios and gyms offer at least some selection between different classes during the day. People who do yoga on their own at home will have more leeway in choosing the time.
With the options you do find for yourself, try to choose the time that will help you get the most out of your yoga practice. You want to be at peak condition to perform yoga, but you also do not want the practice to disrupt the rest of your day.
Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!
Scott Hughes owns and manages OnlineYogaClub.com which is an informative website about yoga. You can discuss this article and other topics related to yoga at the Yoga Forums. It’s completely free, and you can ask any questions that you have about yoga.
