Yoga and The Neurobiology of Stress

Yoga & The Neurobiology of Stress

Discover why yoga is such a powerful antidote to the physical and mental impact of stress.

Stress is omnipresent. And it’s having an effect on every area of people’s lives: physical wellbeing, anxiety, sleep, appetite, immune function and so, so much more. 

Yoga is a deeply valuable and effective tool in managing stress, that we know from our own experience, but this course dives deep in to WHY yoga helps manage stress and decrease many of the negative effects of stress. This course takes peer-reviewed research about the physical and mental impact of stress, and how yoga is an antidote to this, and breaks it down with the aim of encouraging you, yoga teacher, to be able to manage stress levels in your life, whilst also giving you data, research, tools, techniques and skills to help your yogis manage stress in their own lives. 

This training delves into the intricate relationship between yoga practices and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress responses. Through a blend of theory, experiential learning and practical techniques, you will deepen your understanding of stress physiology and learn how to integrate evidence-based yoga practices to foster resilience and promote relaxation responses in yourself, and your students.

Course objectives: 

• Understand the intricate neurobiological mechanisms involved in the stress response, including the roles of the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and limbic system
• Explore the physiological and psychological impact of chronic stress on the body and mind, gaining insight into stress-related health challenges
• Learn evidence-based yoga practices that target specific physiological pathways implicated in stress regulation, such as pranayama, meditation, and mindful movement
• Develop the ability to adapt yoga techniques to suit individual needs and varying levels of stress, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in teaching environments
• Effectively convey complex neurobiological concepts to students to allow them to understand stress, the impact of stress on their lives and how to manage stress
• Ultimately, empower you - yoga teachers - to serve as catalysts for positive change in your communities; promoting holistic wellbeing, resilience and stress management through yoga

Course content:

The neurobiology of stress

• An introduction to the neurobiology of stress
• Exploring the stress response system, including the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• The role of the limbic system.

Managing stress in the real world

• Impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health: examining the physiological and psychological consequences of prolonged stress
• Stress resilience factors: identifying personal and environmental factors that contribute to resilience and adaptive coping strategies

Yoga’s function in stress awareness and stress management

• The science of yoga: uncovering the physiological effects of yoga practices on the nervous system, endocrine system and brain function
• Practical application of yoga techniques: exploring asanas, pranayama, meditation and mindfulness practices for stress management
• Adapting yoga practices for individual needs: understanding how to modify techniques to suit different populations and varying levels of stress
• The role of the yoga teacher in stress management: cultivating your own self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills to support students in stress reduction

Holly’s approach to teaching is beautiful – everything is delivered in a non judgemental, accessible and friendly way. Thank you to Holly and Yoga Hero for creating such a fabulous course. 

-Georgina H

The details

Dates

Friday 17th – Sunday 19th January 2025

08:30 – 16:30

Investment

The price for the course is £400

A payment plan is available; £100 per month, for four months. 

We would love to welcome you on to this impactful, and much needed training!

With love,

The Yoga Hero Team

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