At some point in their life, people experience feelings of anxiety, and yoga is one of the best options to overcome them but, you might ask yourself how yoga can reduce anxiety? Is it true?
Anxiety Origins
From mild nerves to sheer panic, anxiety has always been a natural response to stressful situations, and one that can help us react appropriately when we are in danger.
But for those living with an anxiety disorder, feelings of fear or worry aren’t a rational response to external circumstances.
All of them are a disruptive and dominating influence.
According to the author and psychiatrist Jeffrey P. Kahn, M.D., in his book Angst: Origins of Anxiety & Depression, today’s disorders might’ve been yesterday’s valuable social instincts.
What we call a panic disorder today, might’ve prevented our ancestors from venturing to potentially dangerous places, far away from their families and tribes.
The famous obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might’ve helped our ancestors keep tidy and safe caves.
Today’s social anxiety might’ve maintained social hierarchies and peace in primitive times.
Well, what we know is that today all these feelings are bringing negative outcomes from our bodies and minds.
Or it´s just that we need to learn how to manage them?
So, can yoga really reduce anxiety?
Yoga is an activity that actually encompasses all three of these common relaxation techniques.
So of course, yoga can reduce anxiety.
Additionally, has been known to help ease stress, reduce feelings of nervousness, and enhance mindfulness.
Yoga has its origins in India more than 5,000 years ago.
It is derived from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, and the term yoga means “to yoke” or “unite.”
Yoga practice involves the joining of the body, mind, and spirit through breathwork, movements, and relaxation.
Yoga can reduce anxiety since it restores a sense of personal balance.
Yoga has become a popular way to restart the body by increasing strength, improving balance, and enhancing flexibility.
Many people are devoted to the yoga lifestyle that includes a practice beyond the physical exercise.
Numerous non-exercise aspects of yoga, such as breathing exercises and meditation, can help calm a busy mind and assist in letting go of stress.
Some poses to reduce anxiety
Following are a few yoga poses that you can do regularly to control anxiety:
- Camel pose: Ustarasana or camel pose can help in releasing stress and improve blood circulation throughout the body.
Improved blood circulation means a better supply of oxygen, which can be healing for your mind and body.
- Butterfly pose: This is a simple and basic yoga posture that can stretch your inner thighs.
Perform the asana while keeping your spine straight and it can help in releasing tension and can have a calming effect on your body.
- Child’s pose: Also known as balasana, this yoga pose is known to be a relaxing pose. It can have a rejuvenating effect on the body.
The yoga pose can also be done for getting relief from back and neck pain.
- Corpse pose: This pose is one of the most popular yoga poses for relieving stress, anxiety and reducing depression symptoms. Shavasana can be done as the last or closing pose to your yoga session.
One can also meditate while performing the corpse pose. It relaxes and recharges your body.
Besides these yoga poses, you can also do breathing exercises like pranayama and meditation for 10-15 minutes (to start with) every day.
If Yoga can reduce anxiety, just imagine what you can get from practicing yoga at the beach!
Well, of course at Perfect Sunset School.
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The best school, the best instructors, the most beautiful beach around the area.
At Perfect Sunset School, you´ll discover how yoga can reduce anxiety.
You´ll also find yoga for anyone who wants to improve their life by practicing this ancient discipline full of benefits for everybody.
Visit Perfect Sunset School at Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and discover yoga, learn Spanish, surf, Freediving, the best accommodation, wonderful sunsets, and Pura Vida people.