How To Control Your Nervous System Through Mindfulness And Yoga

By Author: Rakesh Jaiswal
Total Articles: 80
Comment this article

Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on both the mind and body, leading to increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and heightened tension. These symptoms are directly related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. When we’re stressed, the body enters a “fight or flight” state, releasing cortisol and adrenaline, which increases our alertness but leaves us in a constant state of tension. Learning to control your nervous system is crucial to living a more balanced and calm life.



Understanding the Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS triggers the body's stress response, while the PNS promotes relaxation and recovery. The key to regaining calm lies in shifting the balance from the SNS to the PNS, which can be achieved through mindful practices like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.



Yoga’s Role in Regulating the Nervous System: Yoga ...
... is a powerful tool that integrates physical movement, breath control, and meditation to help regulate the nervous system. Asanas (yoga postures) are designed to open the body and release built-up tension, while pranayama (breathing techniques) help slow down the breath, calming the mind and stimulating the PNS. Meditation also enhances mindfulness, enabling you to observe and detach from anxious thoughts.



The yoga teacher training courses in India provide a comprehensive understanding of these techniques and offer an immersive experience in a peaceful environment. By delving deeper into the principles of yoga, you can learn how to manage your own nervous system while also gaining the skills to teach others.



Practical Tips for Managing Stress


Breathing Exercises: Deep, slow breathing activates the PNS and reduces stress. Practice diaphragmatic breathing by inhaling deeply through the nose, holding briefly, and exhaling slowly through the mouth.



Mindful Meditation: Take time each day to practice mindfulness meditation. Sit comfortably, focus on your breath, and allow your thoughts to pass without judgment. This practice trains your mind to stay present and calm.



Gentle Yoga: Incorporate restorative yoga poses such as child’s pose, forward folds, and seated stretches to release tension in the body.



Yoga Teacher Training Courses: Enroll in yoga teacher training courses in India to deepen your knowledge of these techniques and learn to cultivate inner calm.



By learning to regulate your nervous system, you can build resilience to stress, improve emotional well-being, and regain a sense of calm and balance.