Stress No More

Ok, so we know that stress is not good. It’s definitely not fun, it does not enliven us and bring us into joyfulness. Remembering that this very day, this very moment IS life, we have no time to loose, if happiness is available, basking in it is essential!

Here are a few facts about stress:

• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
• 75% – 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
• Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually. ~ WebMD

So, here a few ways that meditation helps relieve stress…

Meditation Literally Shapes the Brain: If you do curls, you get big biceps, if you are stressed, your Amygdala region of the brain thickens. Unfortunately, the Amygdala is known to be an active stress responser. In meditators, not only does density in this region diminish, but so does the activity of the Amygdala during stress itself.

Meditation Boosts the Immune System: While stress is busy tearing down the immune system, meditation is keeping it strong. Meditation has been found to “turn down the volume” on the genes’ inflammatory response, creating less inflammation and a stronger immune system.

Meditation Lowers Blood Pressure: Meditators are able to reduce blood pressure medicine. Why? Because meditation increases nitric oxide in the body, which increases blood flow, which then lowers the pressure it takes to pump blood throughout the body.

Who knew doing nothing could do so much!
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Iron Spine provides a new way to be reminded of our universal wisdom and compassion that aligns with the purpose of yoga and meditation. Find us on instagram @ironspineco to stay in touch and learn more.