Question

artical
on yoga and meditation​

Answer 1

Answer:

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress are prevalent in the United States, and are considered serious health conditions alongside heart disease, cancer and asthma. Integrative and holistic mind-body practices such as yoga and mindfulness meditation have become increasingly popular and beneficial as well when it comes to psychological and physical health issues. In fact, yoga and meditation are considered stress reduction techniques that can influence how we relate to mental and physical health issues, ultimately leading to less suffering and attachment to life outcomes.

So What Are the Benefits of Yoga and Meditation?

Given the “on the go” lifestyle and multitasking mentality of Westerners, we can find ourselves in a chronic state of hyperarousal in which the fight-flight-freeze response system (i.e., sympathetic nervous system (SNS)) becomes overactivated. In this way, our busy and chaotic lives can lead to gastrointestinal issues, weakened immune systems, tension, as well as increased anxiety and depression. Moreover, living in a chronic state of reactivity (or stress) keeps the SNS alive and on guard, which over time dampens levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, our “feel good” neurotransmitters. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are often associated with the loss of pleasure and enjoyment in life, a common occurrence in depressed individuals. Yoga is a holistic and mindful practice that includes physical movements (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation (dhyana) and relaxation (savasana). The practice cultivates mind-body awareness, promotes physical movement, and creates intimacy with one's internal landscape (e.g., emotions, thoughts, physical sensations). Yoga can also be self-soothing, affecting the stress response system by quieting down the nervous system. Through its impact on the stress response system, yoga can help to decrease physiological arousal, for example lowering blood pressure and heart rate, a benefit for those who tend to feel wound up, on edge, and restless.

Explanation:

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