Yoga against burnout: what it is, why it fights stress and how to practice it

In its etymological meaning the term yoga means union. In the literary language of ancient India, Sanskrit, this word comes from a root meaning “fasten”, “bind”. That is why, if it is true that yoga is a perfect union between body, mind and spirit – and from asanas (positions), pranayama (inhale) e kriya (meditation techniques with mudras and mantras) – it is true that they represent the highest expression in the broadest sense of the word. equilibrium.

We already know that we work like a mirror: if we feel good inside, we work outside. At home, like in the office. So what do we do if we already feel the anxiety about the return and the whirlwind of the work year behind us? yoga for burnout, it is a useful practice to calm and regenerate the nervous system by relaxing the body. Perfect for getting back to the office and taking advantage of early autumn in the right way.

What is yoga for burnout?

In contrast to the acrobatic poses that undermine our morale on Instagram, anti-burnout yoga, also called “healing yoga”, gives us the opportunity to return to the right path in the depth of our self. Healing, improvement and well-being in all areas of our lives is the goal of this practice, which combines various yogic traditions. To adapt and change them according to the modern madness. Basically it’s poses, or asanaspassive, implemented through the use of accessories and aids.

Invented in the 70s by the Indian B.K.S. Iyengar, known for founding the school of the same name and systematizing a precise and rigorous teaching using therapeutic yoga. It came to the West in the early 2000s thanks to the American doctor Judith Hanson Lasater, a student of Iyengar, who managed to recover from severe depression on her own in a few months thanks to the restorative postures of her teacher. So he decides to create his own brand. Restorative yogaand here we are.

Difference from traditional yoga

In traditional postural yoga, the only position in which a person truly relaxes is the ultimate relaxation position. Savasana. That is, lie on your back and keep breathing constantly, preferably withUjay Pranayama, a practice so dear to Jennifer Lawrence. This vase breathing mode is used in anti-burnout yoga for practice asanas in complete calm. By taking advantage of the tensile force of the body and therefore the help of tools such as bricks and pillows.

“The supports allow you to create the best posture and stay in it without much effort for several minutes at a time.” This is how Philippe Amar, Iyengar yoga teacher and author, explains with his partner Marie Amar, a full Encyclopedia of Yoga. passive postures, pranayama, meditation (Ed. La Plage). The relaxed approach allows anyone to get into a stretching position and stay in it effortlessly. asanas more complex. Like extensions back.

“The body is relaxed, open, at the same time stretched. The longer you stay in a pose, the better the effect on the respiratory, circulatory, nervous or hormonal systems. The activity of the vagus nerve is stimulated, which reduces the level of inflammation in the body and brain. So explains Audrey Favreau, Restorative Yoga Trainer and Author of the book Restorative yoga. 32 poses for real relaxation (Ed. Grancher).

Effects and Benefits

The cascade of effects of these practices is as old as the world, spreading a sense of well-being: a decrease in heart rate, a slight calming effect, and a huge power to stop thoughts and calm the mind. But practice it yoga for burnout perhaps this will not save us from those nights of insomnia that have gripped us since the pandemic.

The real work starts from the moment the body is unlocked. “At this point, it is important to direct our attention to the physical sensations that we experience when the body is in tension. During stretching and, of course, during breathing. It is there, in those points of the body where we feel pain, that our tension is located. Our energy nodes that somatize our stress and our emotions. Breath circulates smoothly, adapting to asanas who are practised. Sometimes it spreads more to the chest, stomach, sometimes to the back, hips. In this way, the breath becomes a kind of scanner. whose light, flowing smoothly, unblocks blocked energy points.

How to deal with burnout

“Because they combine calmness of mind with a change in body condition, steady postures are especially indicated to avoid or come out of burnout.” So says Audrey Favreau. This directing of attention through the body, mind and spirit allows you to stop the spread of dark thoughts. It helps you better manage your thoughts and emotions.

With burnout syndrome, the master recommends postures that open the chest and the upper part of the spinal column. Like a half bridge setu bandhasana. These exercises counteract the so-called “flexion reflex” where the body tends to bend backwards in self-defense. “When you put a support under your back to open the cage, your chest breathing automatically becomes deeper. This is how we regain energy and confidence.”

According to the doctor burnout and fatigue syndrome this is due to the fact that our attention has been distracted for too long and suddenly. This gave rise to a constant reaction to external stresses. In yoga, for centuries, we have preferred to focus our attention on specific points. Posture, breathing, inner feeling. “Going from constant attention to chosen attention is a tremendous liberation.” It’s not about doing more or anything else. But do it differently. And it really can make a difference.

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