1. Yoga as a method of stress reduction

2. What yoga isn’t? Contrary to popular belief (and what social media will tell you) it’s not all green juice and body contortions for super flexible women

3. In that case what is yoga? Yoga is essentially the connection of the MIND and BODY through focusing on the breath while working through ASANA (physical postures). Yoga teaches us to steady the mind, moving away from constantly worrying about the past and future Practicing yoga with awareness is very effective in reducing chronic stress. It has been show to: Downregulate the sympathetic nervous system while activating the parasympathetic nervous system encouraging relaxation and relief from chronic stress Allow the amygdala (the alarm bell of the brain) to take a rest Increase levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that is known to reduce anxiety Improve Vagal tone and Heart Rate Variability (this is good news for general health) And interestingly…

4. …To increase self-compassion, resilience and empathy amongst medical students (Mason et al 2013) Which is why YOU might want to give it a try as you progress through medical school Basically yoga makes you feel GOOD

5. Can it make my patients feel good too?? Preventatively For patients who want to improve fitness, strength flexibility and balance and reduce stress Therapeutically For many mental and physical health issues including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Addiction Chronic Pain Anxiety/Chronic Stress

6. For more info check out these organisations who are working to offer yoga to everyone: UofE Yoga Society (EUYS) https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/societies/society/EUYS/ Edinburgh Community Yoga: www.edinburghcommunityyoga.co.uk The Minded Institute: www.yogaforthemind.infohttps://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/societies/society/EUYS/www.edinburghcommunityyoga.co.ukwww.yogaforthemind.info