Do you feel great? Alive and vital? If not, consider the role that stress might be playing in your life.
Stress can greatly diminish our energy. Stress quite literally robs us of our vitality. We live in an
increasingly stressful world and the potential for the experience of stress comes at us from many
places: work, relationships, current events, life events, social media and information overload can all
create the sensation of stress in our bodies and minds.
Thankfully, yoga and the tools of yoga offer us a way forward to a healthier and happier way of
being. There are three simple steps that you can take right now, utilizing what you’ve already
learned from your practice.
#1 – Shift your attitude. Studies have found that those people who believe that stress will kill them,
do in fact die from stress related and stress induced illnesses. Rather than allowing yourself to hold
such a powerfully negative view, shift into seeing the power of the positive. When you feel yourself
experiencing stress, rather than freak out- affirm that this is what it feels like when your healthy body
responds to challenge. This one simple shift could save your life.
#2 – Move! Get out there and move! Move your body in yoga- any yoga practice or run or walk or
skate or swim or- you get the idea. Our stress response is created through our sympathetic nervous
system. This system reacts to a true life threat in the same way as the experience of traffic making
us late for work. There is no distinguishing the levels of threat- just the same reaction. Our bodies
prepare us for stress by enabling us to run or fight. One of the ways that we can release some of
that response is by moving our bodies.
#3 – Breathe. Allow yourself to not only notice your breath but also begin to work with it. Simple
pranayama (breathing techniques) are incredibly effective in shifting and handling the energy of
stress. Next time you feel stressed- shift your breath- begin to breathe long and deep. Do a practice
of equal inhale/exhale. Allow yourself to inhale for a count of 5 and exhale for the same count. A few
minutes of this will shift your entire perspective and you will begin to feel better right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can yoga really help reduce stress?
A: Yes, yoga is a powerful tool for reducing stress. It works by calming the nervous system, regulating your breath, and helping you connect with the present moment. A consistent yoga practice can lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety, improve sleep, and promote a sense of peace and well-being—both on and off the mat.
Q: What type of yoga is best for stress relief?
A: Gentle and calming styles of yoga are ideal for stress relief. Look for classes like Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, or slow flow. These practices focus on deep breathing, mindful movement, and relaxation. Asheville Yoga Center offers a range of supportive classes designed to help you slow down and reset.
Q: How often should I practice yoga to manage stress?
A: Even practicing yoga just 2–3 times a week can make a noticeable difference in your stress levels. If you’re able to do a little each day—even 10 minutes of breathwork or a few gentle poses—that consistency can help build resilience over time. The key is to find a rhythm that feels sustainable for you.
Q: Can yoga help with long-term chronic stress?
A: Yoga can be a valuable part of managing chronic stress and preventing burnout. Over time, it helps regulate your nervous system, improves emotional regulation, and builds awareness of how stress shows up in your body. Combined with other healthy lifestyle practices, yoga can support long-term healing and balance.
Q: Can beginners use yoga for stress relief?
A: Absolutely. You don’t need any prior experience to benefit from yoga’s stress-reducing effects. Many beginner-friendly classes are specifically designed to help you feel calm and centered. At Asheville Yoga Center, we welcome students of all levels and offer classes that make yoga accessible, safe, and deeply nourishing.
