YOGA FOR ANXIETY + DEPRESSION:
What, Why, How?
by Shannen Roberts
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a discipline and a practice to find peace within the mind, body, and soul. It’s a life-time journey or process of reconnecting the self with the universe, and being one with the universe. Learn more here about the different types of yoga.
Why does yoga help anxiety & depression?
Teaches relaxation through breath, movement (or asana), and self-awareness. Muscle tension is a HUGE symptom of anxiety and depression. Yoga calms and regulates the nervous system and gets your energy circulating again (so your physical bones, muscles, organs etc. can become in balance and start reconnecting with your mind)
Brings awareness of negative thought cycles, obstacles, and suppressed emotions. Eventually, yoga helps to let go of negativity and retrain ourselves to calmly and confidently respond to stressful situations.
Lastly, yoga teaches you to listen to your body, so you learn what your body needs on a daily basis. Do you need more/less sleep? more/less food? a certain yoga sequence? company or alone time? Service to others or to a higher being?