If you’re feeling stressed about your retirement, or any other challenge in your life, try yoga for stress relief. It’s a natural remedy for relieving stress and anxiety.
Not only do I absolutely love yoga, but I find it fascinating that The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine claims yoga is more effective than walking for reducing stress. It’s encouraging to think that such a gentle practice can make such a significant difference in our well-being!
The Feel Good Chemical called GABA
Here’s an interesting fact about yoga: it boosts the levels of feel-good chemicals called GABA in your brain. GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is a chemical messenger that is widely distributed throughout the brain.
Some researchers suggest that GABA helps regulate fear and anxiety by calming overexcited neurons. This is significant because your GABA levels increase after practicing yoga.
So, if you’re feeling anxious and want to relax, you might take 15 to 20 minutes to do some yoga. After your practice, your GABA levels will be higher, and you’ll likely feel calmer—similar to the way runners experience an endorphin high.
Yoga for Retirement Stress Relief
Yoga is a complete mind/body experience. Therefore, it’s important to understand that yoga should not be considered just another form of exercise. While all types of physical activity can help with relaxation, yoga offers a unique mind-body experience. To fully experience its benefits, you need to be present during your practice and minimize outside distractions.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
– Start your yoga practice with a clear intention.
– Arrive on your mat ready to relax and rejuvenate your body.
– To truly relax, carry the intention to relax with you throughout your day.
Having practiced yoga for years, I have come to appreciate its many benefits. However, achieving the relaxation that yoga offers requires a genuine desire for it. Like anything worthwhile, it demands commitment.
Yoga has many different forms, and I’d like to highlight one: Laughing yoga. A good belly laugh can significantly uplift your mood and help relax your mind.
If you’re interested, you can watch a video of a laughing yoga guru on my site by visiting my article, “Laughter Yoga for a Joyful Retirement.”
Conclusion
Incorporating yoga into your routine can be a powerful tool for alleviating stress and enhancing overall well-being. This practice not only boosts GABA levels, promoting calmness and reducing anxiety, but it also fosters a mindful connection between the body and mind.
Whether you choose traditional yoga or explore the joyful practice of laughing yoga, the key is to approach your sessions with intention and an open heart.
By committing to this journey, you can experience the profound benefits that yoga has to offer, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and a more joyful spirit. Embrace the mat, breathe deeply, and let yoga guide you toward a more relaxed and fulfilling life.
Related Articles You May Like:
- How Yoga Relieves Stress and Anxiety in Older Adults
- Natural Remedies for Relieving Retirement Anxiety
- Best Yoga and Workout Videos for Women Over 60 Who Want to Look Hot!
We all deal with anxiety and stress at some time or another. I would love to hear how you deal with it. And before you go, please take a moment to subscribe to our newsletter, and like us on Facebook!