Yoga is more than just an enjoyable physical activity; it can also have a positive effect on balancing your hormones. When you do yoga regularly, your body releases hormones that can help reduce stress, boost energy levels, and increase your overall sense of well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the hormones released during yoga and how they can benefit you.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain to produce feelings of euphoria, as well as reducing stress and anxiety. They play an important role in helping us manage our emotions and cope with difficult situations. The effects of endorphins can be felt almost immediately after a yoga session.
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is released in response to stressful situations. It is an important hormone that are bodies to require in order to function. High levels have been linked to negative health effects such as weight gain, mood swings, and insomnia. Fortunately, regular yoga practice has been shown to lower cortisol levels by reducing stress and calming the mind.
Serotonin is another hormone released during yoga sessions that has positive effects on our mental health. It is responsible for regulating moods and reducing feelings of depression or sadness. It also helps us feel more alert and focused by increasing our energy levels, as well as improving cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
Practice yoga regularly to ensure that your hormones stay balanced. Even if you only have 10-15 minutes a day, make sure to take make time for yourself! Not only will this help keep your hormones in check, but it will also provide a moment of rejuvenation and relaxation:
- Cobra Pose – stimulates the adrenal glands, helps alleviate menstrual symptoms, bloating, gas, headaches; hold up to a minute.
- Camel Pose – stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands; hold between 30 seconds to a minute.
- Butterfly Pose – massages the adrenal glands; hold for 1-2 minutes.
- Bridge Pose – stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands; hold between 30 seconds to a minute.
- Child’s Pose Variations – stimulates the adrenal glands, best for menstrual cramps; hold between 1-2 minutes.
- Shoulder Stand – stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, improve a depressed mood; hold between 1-2 minutes.
- Legs up the Wall Pose – lowers stress, tension, anxiety and insomnia; hold between 5-10 minutes.
Dear Doris….💞☺️💞
Thank you so much for taking your time every week to post these amazing videos for everyone to go to when in between live class and private sessions.
They are so beneficial to have for everyone!
I also am so grateful for all of the knowledge and wisdom you share about these poses and the specific benefits that each pose gives to our body, mind and spirit.
It’s so helpful how you set up each video with a full set of specific poses for us to follow step by step so that we get the full benefit out each pose as well as the maximum benefit out of the entire sequence of poses!!
I have 100% experienced exactly what you teach in this video as well as many others and also what you always teach to us during class….that doing yoga daily guarantees our direct experience of all the positive shifts in our body and mind….
I have not been able to do yoga for the past month at all due to procedures I am having done with my body.
I have noticed the difference and how much harder it is to stay centered and grounded when not doing yoga along with my daily meditations…..!
I feel in general that my stress levels are higher…
I notice my sleep is not balanced….I notice that I am not able to focus as well….
my anxiety levels are higher….
my hormones are off….
I could go on and on.
And…..Of course…..
I am going through a lot right now…..which always exacerbates the symptoms I just described….. but when I am able to do yoga daily…..it brings immense support to all of the imbalances that I experience.
Thank you so so much for all you do for so many of us, Doris.💛
You have dedicated your life to those who want the help and want to live balanced, happy and healthy lives!!
We are all so very lucky to have found you and have you coaching and guiding and nudging and supporting and sharing your experiences with us in our day to day lives…..
In so many different ways and on every level!
You are very very special….
Miss Doris!!
An Earth Angel!!
I love you dearly!!💞💞💞💞💞
This is a very thought-provoking blog post. Thank you Doris! I will begin to integrate a few of these simple, doable exercises into my life. I’m always grateful for your kind and gentle movements that empower us to reach for better health! The connection of yoga to hormone health was a new and very valuable one for me to make today. Thanks so much!!