Under stress the body's energy is channelled towards survival, stress hormones are released, heart rate rises, and blood pressure shoots up. Our muscles tighten and non-essential functions such as immunity and digestion go by the wayside. As soon as you relax, the parasympathetic nervous system switches on and that is linked to better digestion, memory and immunity, amongst other things.

 

Benefits of Relaxation

 

Asthma ​- Relaxation seems to offer relief by diminishing the emotional upsets that can trigger asthma attacks and the constriction of the airways.

Blood Sugar Control - Relaxation could suppress appetite by keeping blood sugar stable and improve the body's ability to regulate blood sugar.

Blood Pressure ​- Relaxation lowers blood pressure by making the body less responsive to stress hormones.

Fertility - Relaxation makes the body more receptive to a successful conception and pregnancy.

Heart - Relaxation improves blood flow to the heart, lowers cholesterol levels and lessens the severity of heart attacks.

Inflammation - Relaxation can help heal and prevent conditions by reducing inflammation e.g. psoriasis, arthritis & eczema.

Immunity - ​Relaxation increases the number of leukocyte cells that defend against disease

Pain - ​​Relaxation induces pain relief from migraine, tension headaches and backache.