By Team THORYoga practice combines a variety of stress-reducing techniques such as deep, controlled breathing, meditation, and postures. There is a reason we say “relax and take a deep breath”. Deep breathing supplies your body with more oxygen which induces a relaxation response. When breathing is irregular and shallow, the lungs don’t get enough oxygen which can make you feel anxious and panicky. Deep breathing exercises also help reduce your body’s levels of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone.
Like most exercise, yoga postures help lower cortisol and adrenaline levels and pump up the production of dopamine and endorphins, which are known as the feel-good hormones. Responsible for the post-exercise high, endorphins trigger feelings of optimism and joy while reducing stress levels.
Meditation or focused concentration aids deep breathing and exercise in countering the effect of “fight or flight”. By eliminating jumbled thoughts that might be polluting your brain, meditation produces a reduction in arousal and relaxation response. It gives greater clarity of mind and a sense of peace and calm.
Terry Tateossian is a Menopause Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist and the Founder of THOR: The House of Rose, a wellness brand serving women over 40 through retreats, coaching, macro-nutrition and community. As 25-year founder and entrepreneur, Terry spent two and a half decades building and running successful start-up businesses, an experience that put her on the front line of founder burnout long before she could name it. After facing serious health challenges, early onset menopause, and emotional eating while running her agency and raising two children, Terry rebuilt her health in her 40s and lost more than 80 pounds through evidence-based nutrition, training, and mindset work. Today, she helps women get strong, improve confidence, support hormone health, and create a stronger second half of life. Terry has been featured in major media outlets and is available for podcasts, expert commentary, brand collaborations, and speaking engagements on midlife health, reinvention, emotional eating, menopause wellness, and strength training for longevity. Get her free macro calculator (her cookbook companion) to start your journey to back to health.
