As we near the cold-weather months, anxiety surrounding the flu and a projected COVID-19 surge is at an all-time high. While there is currently no cure-all for either, research has shown that yoga and meditation may have a hand at improving immunity, stress, and respiration. And with Yoga Wake Up at your fingertips, why not give it a shot?
According to a Journal of Behavioral Medicine study, led by William Bushell, PhD, a biophysical/medical anthropologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, meditation and yoga increase a person’s vagal tone. The vagal tone is part of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system and helps regulate the body’s stress response.
In general, yoga poses help circulation and can even stimulate the thymus gland, which plays a key role in immune function. And since yoga calls for breathing exercises – much like meditation – it’s a must-add to your wellness routine. Why? Deep, belly breathing, which is often referred to as diaphragmatic breathing, can strengthen the digestive system. This is important as a large percentage of the immune system is found in the folds of your digestive tract.
When it comes to your health, keep hand-washing, proper social distancing, and mask-wearing top priorities. But if you’re looking for a supplemental addition to your routine, we recommend browsing our wide array of audio-guided sessions. Find your favorite, press play, and get one step closer to improving your immune health.
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