The term "stress" originated at the end of the nineteenth century in the field of engineering. Bridge architects first invented the term and applied it to the pressure or "stress" that the natural elements, wear and tear, weight of humans and vehicles would create on a bridge. Bridges could then be gauged for how much pressure (or "stress") they could handle from wind, heat, cold, storms, use, etc. So it is with humans.

Everyday we experience many different kinds and forms of pressure. These come from the everyday demands of work, relationships, expenditure of physical energy, thoughts, emotions, finances, children, friends, associates, etc Stress refers to the more psychological state of mind-body that involves expending energy to deal with things. As we cope, we expend mental energy, emotional energy, physical energy, interpersonal energy, spiritual energy, etc. Yet we all only have so much energy to expend in coping and mastering things. That is why we get tired We need to rest, sleep, eat, etc. When we get "out of cope" (as the expression goes), we feel depleted. We feel as if we have "no more to give." This puts us in overload. Extending ourselves after that point, we experience the state of "stress." Yoga allows to nurse ourselves back to a state of effective relaxation—where we accomplish things easily and painlessly.

The Secrets of Stress Reduction

Simple and quick stress reduction exercises increase your circulation and help you to feel calm and energized. These exercises allow you to recognize stress signals and muscular holding patterns that create tightness in your physical body.

Normally, most of us are absorbed in completing our work tasks, so we do not think about our breathing patterns and posture. In yoga terms, we say this information is outside of conscious awareness or it exists in the background of our mind. As you practice yoga and learn awareness skills, you pay more attention to your breathing and to how you sit and stand. And as your breathing becomes deeper and your posture shifts into more aligned positions, you start feeling calmer and better.