Yoga and Meditation Effects on Recovery Rates Study
Many studies have observed the effect of yoga and meditation on the fight-or-flight response, which is the body’s natural reaction to stressful and life-threatening situations. While this response is a survival mechanism, intended to save you from immediate physical danger (such as being attacked by a wild animal), it can also be experienced when you encounter physical stress, such as toxic relationships, or the hardships of entering recovery.
Chronic stress and consistently elevated cortisol levels (your primary stress hormone) are a major underlying cause of elevated cortisol levels. In the short-term, elevated cortisol levels can contribute to panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of anxiety and depression.
Due to this in the ARI we are experimenting with a brief class on meditation every morning and a Thursday easy yoga class. Our belief is that by teaching these skills we can increase recovery rates with this population.
