The developed world is having a wellness crisis. Never before in the history of our species have we had access to so much free available information about exercise, nutrition and wellness. Indeed, more people are partaking in physical exercise today than ever before.

And yet, it only takes one look at the epidemiological data to see that, as a species, we have never been sicker. Rates of depression, burnout and stress are now higher than they have ever been in recorded history.

Globally more than 300 million individuals suffer from depression – so many that it has become the leading cause of disability worldwide. 

Modern day levels of anxiety among children have climbed so high that an average child today possesses markers that would have been considered ‘clinical levels of anxiety’ in the 1950s. The skyrocketing rates of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are a clear indicator that something is wrong. 

Our physical and mental health are not where they should be and it raises the question of why traditional methods of exercise are clearly not working to address the issue?

The answer is rather complex. One of the proposed mechanisms is an over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system response, also known as the ‘fight or flight response’.

The sympathetic nervous system response evolved over many hundreds of thousands of years to keep us alive in dangerous scenarios. When activated, adrenaline is secreted into the bloodstream, the heart rate speeds up, blood flows to the muscles, digestion is inhibited and breathing becomes shallow and rapid.

All of these responses are very helpful in an acute stressful situation such as seeing a tiger run towards you, however, in our modern society, so many people find themselves in a chronic state of ‘fight or flight’.

They are stimulated by caffeine, urgent deadlines, poor sleep and grueling intense workout routines. This state of constant stimulation prevents the body from recuperating and rebuilding itself resulting in a feeling of stress, anxiety, burnout and ultimately depression. 

There is a solution ...

In order to reverse the damaging effects of constant ‘fight or flight’ stimulation, we need to learn to re-balance our physiology. Our bodies are equipped with another response known as the ‘rest and digest’ or parasympathetic response.

When this response is activated, we are relaxed, calm and our bodies are working to regenerate and restore the damage done over the course of the day. Our heart rate and our breathing become slow and easy. The breath is the gateway through which we can access and influence our nervous system responses.

NirvanaFitness® is a revolutionary way to exercise, that re-trains its practitioners to harness the power and beauty of the human breath. Through gentle movements, focused breath work and calming music, the system has the power to reverse the harmful and toxic effects of chronic ‘fight or flight’ stimulation and guide the body into a relaxed state of bliss.

Nirvana® Ultimate Body and Mind system is at the helm of a breathing fitness revolution that is sweeping the globe at a rapid pace, and more and more people are abandoning their old workout routines in favor of the wonderful, restorative practices taught by Nirvana’s instructors worldwide.

Depression, anxiety and burnout can be the sign of a serious medical problem. Remember to always first consult with your doctor to rule out the possibility of an underlying condition. 

Nirvana's system represents a wonderful complimentary solution to the everyday stresses and strains that dominate the majority of our modern lives. In addition to a reduction in depressive, anxious and burnout symptoms, practitioners have seen other amazing health benefits too.

Photo credits : Kat Jayne from Pexels.