Have you ever heard of the "rest and digest" or "feed and breed" system?

Both are informal descriptions of complex systems that can cause significant pain and frustration when poorly regulated.

Also known as the parasympathetic nervous system, it is a network of nerves that relaxes the body after periods of stress or danger. It is also responsible for running life-sustaining processes, such as digestion, when you feel safe and relaxed.

In the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the sympathetic nervous system, which helps our bodies activate their "fight-or-flight" response.

Your sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its "fight-or-flight" response.

This system becomes more active when you're stressed, in danger, or physically active. For instance, a near-miss car accident, a sudden loud noise, or a confrontation can trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response. The effects include increased heart rate and improved breathing, enhanced eyesight, and slowed bodily processes such as digestion.

Are you new to yoga, or have you been wanting to start practicing?

When I was new to yoga this summer, I had quite a few questions myself, as most beginners do. How should I get started? What yoga style would suit my body? How often should I practice yoga to achieve the health benefits I want?

Yoga was slightly outside my comfort zone during the first few weeks, but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it gradually became a sense of mastery. Don't worry too much if your flexibility isn't quite where you want it to be; this will improve as you continue practicing yoga.