Relieving Anxiety through Yoga

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Kate

Everyone experiences that point where there is an excessive level of anxiety due to a number of stressors. In worse cases, too much sources of stress and anxiety lead to anxiety disorder—that could be a result of combined stressors related with genes, environment, psychological aspects, and other developmental factors. People who experience anxiety disorder normally seek the help of an expert, and opt to undergo psychotherapy. While this scientific medication can be effective, another option that you can try is yoga. There are numerous studies that prove that regular meditation and yoga helps lower the levels of anxiety among people.  Yoga is a natural treatment for anxiey.

Yoga has become a popular solution to stress and tension these days. Basically, people who do yoga need to understand some breathing techniques and exercises. They also need to know and perform certain stretching poses. It is a way of teaching your body to relax during very stressful circumstances. This, in essence, helps in avoiding anxiety attacks. You can choose to attend a formal yoga class or do yoga on your own.

Below are some simple tips in yoga breathing that beginners should consider reading:

1.    Start stretching out on the floor (it must be clean) or a yoga mat. Determine you most comfortable position. You can start by laying down with your hands folded above your head.
2.    Breathe slowly and deeply until you feel that your abdomen and lungs are filled with air. It is not recommended to take in shallow breaths. Instead, try breathing using your diaphragm.
3.    While breathing, try holding your breath for a few seconds before exhaling. Ten seconds of holding your breath would be enough.
4.    Do this yoga breathing exercise every day in the morning and at night. This breathing exercise can help you feel more comfortable. It also helps to lower down you level of anxiety.

In regularly practicing yoga, meanwhile, you still need to know basic things before starting out with actual yoga poses. You should understand that yoga is not just about breathing exercises. If you are serious about doing yoga, you should also understand the yoga poses.

1.    First, try researching on your own the yoga styles that fits you. Some of the most common styles of yoga include Viniyoga, Integral, Ananda and Sivananda.
2.    You can try buying a yoga book or instructional, which is ideal for beginners. If you do not attend a formal yoga class, this seems to be a must.
3.    Apply the things you learned, but do not force yourself to do everything you have learned. Yoga poses should be made slowly. You may just try a few yoga poses first if you are a beginner. Some poses may be hard to perform, especially for beginners.

With no doubt, yoga is a powerful tool against anxiety and stress in general. Aside from clearing out one’s mind, yoga helps a person develop or improve self-control, determination, patience, and concentration. In extreme cases of anxiety, however, you may consider asking the opinion of a medical expert first.