Today's Intention: Reducing Stress & Burnout
As the semester gets going and the frequency of homework and tests begins to increase, stress levels naturally increase as well. High levels of stress are associated with vata derangement. When vata levels are high, the person has what is called a "rajastic" state of mind, which is characterized by impatience, anxiety, insomnia, constipation, and an inability to focus. These symptoms only make getting work done more difficult. Fortunately, there are some yoga poses and lifestyle changes that can help to reduce stress and burnout in order to help you feel better and be more productive.
Engaging in more vigorous yoga exercises can help to burn off some excess nervous energy, but these workouts should only be done in moderation so that the symptoms of stress are not exacerbated. Poses that can decrease vattic symptoms include squatting, inversions, and standing poses with an emphasis on remaining grounded through the legs. A regular sleep and eating schedule that includes warm and nutritious foods is also useful in reducing vata derangement.
Another way to decrease stress and improve your overall state of mind is through breathing practices. Shallow, rapid chest breathing can be the result as well as the cause of stress. One method of slowing the breath down is by breathing through the nose to increase resistance. Breathing more deeply also has a calming effect by bringing more oxygen into the body. Lengthening the period of exhalation relative to inhalation will increase relaxation by decreasing the effect of the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight response" on the body. This technique can easily and discreetly be used whenever stress starts to appear in your life.
http://www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2365
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