Stress is the one of the biggest challenges that we face, both at work and in our private lives. It can manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, restlessness, feelings of overwhelm, a lack of motivation, or an inability to focus. We have difficulty sleeping or want to sleep too much. Our minds race and we find it impossible to feel at peace.
Unfortunately, the consequences of chronic stress may be even more serious. Excessive cortisol causes damage to our bodies, we become addicted to habits that harm us and make poor decisions.
I experienced a prolonged period of high stress that lasted over 10 years. My father died suddenly when I was 25, I was in an unhappy relationship during that time and I suffered serious eating disorders as a method of coping with the stress.
Thankfully, I can tell you that all that is in the past, in no small part because of a daily yoga practice that has been a bedrock of my life for over a decade.
Yoga For Stress Relief
“Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.” Norman Vincent Peale
It’s very hard to think your way out of a stressful state but you can influence your physiology to alter your psychology. In yoga, when we slow down our breathing, reduce our heart rate and release tension from tight muscles, our brain perceives a reduction in the threat level and turns down the stress response. We switch from sympathetic “fight or flight” mode, to a more peaceful state of "rest and digest", giving us some much needed clarity and the chance for restoration.
In This Course
In this 15-day stress relief course, I'll take you through 15 sequences that combine deep, diaphragmatic breathing, long, passive stretches and body awareness techniques to trigger your relaxation response and lower your levels of stress. The poses that I have chosen are restorative and should be accessible, even to beginners. With repeated practice, we can train the body to switch more quickly and efficiently from a state of perpetual crisis into one of calm and clarity.
Our Objectives
To quiet the mind.
Release muscular tension.
Reduce aches and pains.
Trigger the relaxation response.
Support the immune system.
Help you to sleep.
Your Teacher
Abi Carver, founder and instructor of Yoga 15, is a two-time 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher and National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She is trained in Hatha, Power Yoga and Zenthai Flow.
Testimonials
“Makes relaxation concepts, benefits and total body relaxation readily accessible. really impressed. Love it.” Brent Fleming
“The first session delivered exactly on what it promised. My mind and body feel very relaxed. I look forward to the next session.” Florencio Garcia
“Just brilliant!” Anna Davey
"I keep rotating among 6 of Abi's 5x15 series and obviously am a fan. Excellent in all respects." Randolph Harper
"It is a real treasure and a gift this course. Abi is an instructor who transmits balance, serenity and focus. I am very happy and grateful for it." Claus Chargoy
"Very clear and well done." Camille Wei's
"Very different from the other courses I've done so far in that it is very calm and relaxing (which is what it's supposed to be!). I would recommend taking this course in the evenings before bed, or (if possible) mid-day to relief stress and calm down. I can also see this one being a good supplement to the other available courses." Anna-Sofia Myszka
