Have you ever come to a yoga class planning to clear your mind and let the outside world go and found yourself utterly unable to do it? We all have those days. You think you’re going to enjoy an hour to yourself but instead you use the silence of class to ruminate over that thing you said in your work meeting or how you’re possibly going to support your kids through their recent friendship uncertainties.
We know exercise helps with our mental health & stress relief. It releases endorphins which elevate our mood. It can also improve our sleep, our energy levels, and our mental alertness, which all sound like great things. But on days when you’re really stuck in your head, it can be hard to convince yourself it’s worth it. If you can’t commit to class, is it even worth going? Do you get any of those benefits if you don’t push hard?
The answer is yes. It’s worth showing up to class even if all you do is stand in the room the entire time. And this isn’t only because deciding to go is often the hardest part and you know you’ll likely complete more than you think if you bring yourself into the studio. It also would literally be good for you even if you didn’t move at all to stand in our infrared heated studios.
Our studios are heated with infrared heating, meaning the heat you feel is actually light that you’re experiencing as heat, which heats your body from the inside out. Studies have found this heat is able to help with stress relief. For example, a study on infrared light therapy and the plantar region found decreased stress markers after infrared treatment. Another study found stress and fatigue can be improved by Far infrared radiation.
If you’re wondering how light entering your body as heat can lessen your stress, well, first we have to look at what stress really is. It’s important to note, stress on its own isn’t a negative and doesn’t have to be a detractor from our mental health. It can even be a motivator. When we talk about getting rid of stress, we’re discussing the aptly named negative stress, which can lead to hopelessness and other negative health impacts.
When our body gets stressed, we’re meant to work through it using our Parasympathetic nervous system, as explained by Cleveland Clinic. This network of nerves informally known as the rest and digest system helps our body to relax after stress, which then allows us to perform our normal everyday functions such as digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system also helps control heart rates, blood pressure, urination, and fight and flight response. Recent research is discovering ways far infrared therapy can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol, improve sleep, boost serotonin, and help with mood fluctuations. Research is even examining possible connections between depression and anxiety.
Next time you’re not sure if you have a workout class in you, consider coming in for a class even if all you do is lie on your mat for the hour. You might just find your stress response thanks you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Far infrared heat may offer various benefits, but weight loss is a complex process influenced by diet, exercise, and individual metabolism. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a medical doctor before starting any new health regimen, especially concerning weight loss or medical conditions.