The Neurobiology of Stress
Recommended Reading
As we know, stress is prolific and as yoga teachers, we are in an amazing position to be able to help people physically and mentally.
The recommended reading here around the neurobiology of stress is designed to help you understand the depth of the impacts of stress, and how far-reaching these impacts are too. Just a note here that your priority as a yoga teacher should always be on self care; being aware of your own stress and anxiety and ensuring that you’re never adding to these levels in order to help others. It’s a cliche, but it’s true: You cannot pour from an empty cup.
The links provided are – where possible – from Bookshop.org which has a very important mission – to support local book shops. Amazon links are also available. Yoga Hero may receive a small payout when you use these links, which serves to support our little studio. But please do, of course, shop around if you wish.
Rewire: Break the cycle, alter your thoughts and create lasting change
By Nicole Vignola
This easy(ish!) to read and pretty funny book is a practical guide to transforming ingrained habits and thought patterns.
The book combines neuroscience, psychology, and actionable strategies to help readers understand how their brain works and how to rewire it for personal growth. Expect insights into identifying negative cycles, building healthier thought processes, and fostering emotional resilience.
The book emphasises mindfulness, self-awareness, and intention in personal transformation. (Hello, Yamas and Niyamas!)
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers
By Robert M. Sapolsky
This book explores the science of stress, its biological mechanisms, and its impact on health. Using the analogy of zebras, who experience short-term stress to escape predators but avoid chronic anxiety, Sapolsky explains why humans are prone to long-term stress and its damaging effects.
Sapolsky discusses how chronic stress contributes to ailments like heart disease, depression, and weakened immunity, offering insights into the mind-body connection. The book combines humour, (you can probably guess that from the title!) neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, providing strategies to manage stress effectively.
UPCOMING YOGA & THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS TRAINING -
UPCOMING YOGA & THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS TRAINING -
Yoga is a deeply valuable and effective tool in managing stress, that we know from our own experience.
This module dives deep in to WHY yoga helps manage stress and decreases many of the negative effects of stress; with the aim of giving you data, research, tools, techniques and skills to help you and your yogis manage and reduce stress.
Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June 2025
ON THE BLOG -
ON THE BLOG -
On the blog:
Harness the understated power of rest.
Yoga teachers are no strangers to the demands of guiding students through asanas, maintaining a vibrant practice, and staying inspired. In this pursuit of sharing the benefits of yoga, there's a hidden gem often overlooked – the invaluable role of rest.
In this blog post, we'll explore why rest is not only essential for our students but also for us as yoga teachers. Discover how embracing rest can significantly enhance your efficiency, boost your energy levels, ignite your inspiration and improve your decision making.