By Belinda Blackburn
This word is thrown about in daily conversation and it seems that many of us are resigned to living with it, thinking that stress is normal and that’s just the way it is. Stress occurs in workplaces, families, among friends - everywhere. It can be physical, emotional or mental and it seems that no matter where you go or what you do you cannot escape its clutches.

We are aware of the health problems that stress can bring on, from temporary issues like headaches, fatigue or tight shoulders to long term concerns such as increased risk of illnesses including heart disease, depression, ulcers and insomnia. It has been estimated that as many as 90% of doctors visits are stress related.

So what exactly is stress?

Believe it or not, stress is actually designed to save your life! When we are in danger our bodies are flooded with adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase our heart rate and respiration and give us a short burst of strength and energy to enable us to either fight the danger or run away from it. Once the danger has passed we need to unwind and process the stress hormones to return to a more balanced state. It is this part of the process that many of us struggle with. While the stress hormones are in our systems our immune and digestive systems do not function effectively resulting in us becoming run down and depleted of energy.

That is where SunYoga can help, a peaceful haven away from the demands of the world where you can release your stress – both physical and mental and enjoy a yoga practice which enables you to refresh and renew your reserves. Yoga postures open up tight muscles and tone internal organs, breathwork cleanses the system and brings in new energy, meditation clears and focuses the mind, and relaxation allows you to let go.

A quick little stress reliever which you can practice at any time is to simply close your eyes and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on inhaling energy and strength, and exhaling and letting go of your worries and tension. Breathe deeply but comfortably without any strain. Just three of these healing breaths can help you to feel more balanced and clear your mind to tackle whatever it is that’s causing your stress. The more you practice the more benefits you feel. Try it when you stop at a red light, are having a drink, or before you go to bed and see what changes you experience.

Joy and Temperance and Repose
Slam the door on the doctor's nose.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow