Yoga For Anxiety and How It can help
How does yoga help with anxiety?
Yoga, an ancient practice, is more than just physical exercise. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health.
One of the purposes of yoga is to master your mind and use it for its intended purpose. If the mind is uncontrollable, it makes us selfish, fills us with anxiety and stress, and restricts us from being joyful, calm, and harmonious.
How does yoga reduce stress?
Yoga, when combining with breathwork, can help calm your nervous system, provide more oxygen to the brain, and bring you into the present moment. This influx of oxygen acts as a calming elixir, soothing the anxious whispers of your mind. With each inhale and exhale, you synchronise your body and mind, let go of the turbulence of thoughts from your conscious mind, help your body maintain a more balanced hormonal state, & reduce the levels of cortisol, creating a rhythmic cycle that grounds you in & helps you let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.
As a result, your anxiety levels can decrease.
How does yoga help with the mind-body connection?
When combining yoga asanas (postures) and breathwork, the benefits extend far beyond the physical realm. This integration of movement and breath taps into a functional system that not only enhances our physical well-being but also deeply affects our mental and emotional states.
Additionally, conscious breathing techniques used in conjunction with yoga asanas play a crucial role in regulating the breath and, consequently, influencing our mental and emotional states. Deep, rhythmic breathing can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and increase oxygen flow to the brain, promoting clarity and focus.
Furthermore, the combination of asanas and breathwork encourages mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgement. By focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body during yoga practice, we cultivate a heightened awareness that can help us manage stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity more effectively in our daily lives.
What should you do if you are experiencing anxiety?
When faced with anxiety, it’s essential to have coping strategies at hand to help manage overwhelming emotions. Anulom Vilom, also known as alternate nostril breathing, is a beneficial technique rooted in ancient yogic practices that can aid in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calmness.
The functional system behind this practice lies in the intricate connection between the breath, movement, and the nervous system. By synchronising the breath with movement in yoga, we engage in what is known as “pranic flow,” where prana (life force energy) is circulated throughout the body. This not only enhances physical vitality but also promotes mental clarity and emotional balance.
Yoga and breathwork are not just exercises; they’re a path to inner peace and calm. By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can begin to rewire our brains and bodies to respond to stress in a healthier way. So, we invite you all to step onto your yoga mats, to connect with your breath, and to experience the transformative power of being present in your life. Let’s breathe our way to a calmer, more peaceful existence.
In addition to the transformative effects of yoga and breathwork on anxiety, our commitment extends beyond personal well-being to environmental stewardship. At Maitreya, we are dedicated to sustainability, exemplified by our upcoming plantation drive. For every product sold, a tree is planted, symbolising our pledge to give back to the earth that nurtures us. If you’re inspired to support this green initiative, feel free to reach out to us via direct message to donate a tree and be a part of our mission to foster a greener, more sustainable future