SAL SABEEL PUBLIC SCHOOL SREEKANDAPURAM

Over a prolonged period of time, too much stress leads to too much cortisol being released in our bodies, which in turn lowers the immune functions and metabolism, leading to rapid weight gain, susceptibility of body to pathogens, osteoporosis, blood pressure imbalance, muscle weakness, etc. It is proven that long term stress also has links to insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome,depression, thyroid disorders, etc. Modern research accepts three aspects of yoga (Asanas, Pranayama and meditation) as one of the best methods for moderating the production of cortisol, thereby managing the stress response of the body. By reducing cortisol levels, yoga therefore raises the immunity levels of the body. Secondly, when we hold our body in a yoga posture for a few breaths/counts, our parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated, which in turn lowers our BP to enable a better post-stress response. Thirdly, exercise in the gym or outdoors cannot massage our internal organs, which are nothing but muscles performing a particular function. Yoga keeps these muscles exercised and active. Fourthly, yoga is able to enhance the body’s natural defense mechanism against free radicals. There are many more benefits of Yoga, that students may like to research on themselves.