Q.Which asana is base asana for relaxation and mental repose? a. Shavasana b. Chakrasana c. Halasan d. Parvatasana

The Relaxation Response is a term coined by the Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson in the 1970s. To understand it, start with something you already know: the fight-or-flight response.

When you are stressed — say, you have a deadline, a tough exam, or a sudden argument — your body goes into high alert. Your heart races, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense, and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge. This is an ancient survival mechanism, brilliant for escaping a tiger, but terrible for sitting through a three-hour paper or dealing with chronic work pressure. The problem is that modern life keeps this switch stuck in the "on" position.

The Relaxation Response is the exact opposite. It is the body's built-in, physiological countermeasure to fight-or-flight. It is a state of deep rest that changes your physical and emotional response to stress. Benson discovered that you can deliberately trigger this state through simple mental techniques, and that doing so has profound health benefits.

Why does this matter for a commerce or humanities student? Because stress is not just an emotional nuisance — it directly impairs your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and retain information. Chronic stress shrinks the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning (the hippocampus) and keeps your prefrontal cortex — the seat of rational judgment — from working properly. The Relaxation Response is a tool to reverse that damage.

Here is what it does in practical terms:

• Lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease. This is the most well-documented physical benefit. …