As April arrives, it ushers in National Stress Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of stress management. Yoga stands out as a powerful tool for reducing stress, according to Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She emphasizes that yoga encompasses not only physical poses but also breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness, contributing to a holistic understanding of health.
Yoga involves five distinct layers of well-being, known as koshas: the physical body, the energetic body, emotions and cognition, the higher mind, and the innermost self. Engaging with these layers can enhance overall health, resonating with public health strategies aimed at holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach reveals yoga’s potential for nurturing both body and mind.
Beyond mere physical benefits, yoga fosters a sense of wholeness and enhances self-esteem. Neumark-Sztainer highlights that practitioners often feel more gratitude towards their bodies, contributing to a healthier body image. Research indicates that yoga cultivates self-compassion and encourages individuals to appreciate their physicality, creating a profound connection with themselves.
For those hesitant to embark on their yoga journey due to concerns like inflexibility or physical limitations, Neumark-Sztainer offers reassurance. “Your yoga practice can be adapted to your needs and abilities,” she states. Beginning with an in-person teacher or a credible online source can provide guidance and accessibility to everyone, irrespective of their starting point.
As a mental well-being enhancer, yoga plays a pivotal role in stress management. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s relaxation mode — helping to alleviate the tension of our daily lives. Neumark-Sztainer underscores the importance of integrating yoga into public health studies, attributing many public health issues to stress-related factors.
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer currently immerses herself in yoga therapy training to find innovative ways to marry this practice with public health teaching. Her vision includes incorporating yoga into the curriculum to bolster well-being for students and faculty alike, aiming to alleviate the burdens of demanding work in public health.
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health stands resolute in its mission to tackle global health challenges, fostering wellness through progressive research and education. By partnering with communities and policymakers, the university actively promotes health equity, striving for healthier communities worldwide.
April marks National Stress Awareness Month, where yoga emerges as a powerful tool for stress reduction. Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer from the University of Minnesota illustrates yoga’s holistic benefits, encouraging adaptability for all practitioners. It enhances self-image and fosters emotional health, while supporting stress management through activation of the relaxation response. The inclusion of yoga therapy in public health teaching is aimed at promoting resilience among students and faculty.
Yoga, as described by Dianne Neumark-Sztainer from the University of Minnesota, serves as both a physical and mental refuge in managing stress effectively. Its multifaceted approach integrates holistic well-being through the koshas, enhancing self-image and emotional health. Engaging in yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, offering significant benefits not just physically but through the mindfulness it cultivates. The integration of yoga in public health education represents a forward-thinking approach to well-being, aiming for a healthier society through comprehensive care.
Original Source: twin-cities.umn.edu
