People often associate Yoga with difficult poses that challenge the physical body. Yoga, however, is more than just asanas. It is about cultivating self-awareness and achieving a deeper level of concentration. Physical activity is just one aspect of yoga. Yoga combines exercise with meditation and breathing techniques to promote body flexibility and mind relaxation. Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental disorders among adults. A majority of individuals experience anxiety disorders for a variety of reasons. Anxiety interferes with an individual’s ability to function smoothly.
Yoga can combat anxiety to a significant extent. Several studies have proved that Yoga can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Focusing on the breath and mindfully practicing each pose can ease anxiety and boost your overall mood.
Yoga poses to ease anxiety among adults.
If you are looking for an effective, long-term solution to treat anxiety, try these six anxiety-busting yoga postures. While taking medications can be a temporary cure for anxiety, Yoga offers lasting relief.
1. Virasana (Hero pose)
Virasana is a kneeling pose influencing the erector spine, quadriceps, knee, and ankle muscles. Practicing this pose helps find stillness and ease that calms the mind. Virasana opens the chest and lengthens the spine. Hold this pose for 5 minutes to improve focus and oxygen supply to your brain.
2. Vrikshasana (Tree pose)
Vrikshasana strengthens the quadriceps and the muscles around the abdomen. Practicing this pose can help quiet negative mental chatter and turn your focus inward. Hold this pose for up to two minutes for relief from racing thoughts and restlessness.
3. Uttanasana (Standing Forward bend)
Uttanasana is a highly effective pose to relieve tension from your body. Holding this pose for up to 1 minute soothes the nerves and releases stress in the neck, spine, and back.
4. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Stress and tension often get trapped in our chest area and our sedentary lifestyles have to be blamed for this. Practicing Ustrasana can boost energy levels, reduce fatigue and relieve anxiety. Try holding this pose for at least 30 to 60 seconds to stretch the entire front of the body and induce calmness.
5. Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)
Uttana Shishosana calms the mind and invigorates the body. This pose relieves symptoms of chronic stress, tension, and insomnia. Hold this posture for 30 seconds to 1 minute to feel a long stretch in your spine.
6.Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)
Urdhva Hastasana clears congestion of the spinal nerves and expands the chest area. It stimulates the entire nervous system and refreshes the body and mind. Practicing this pose is a great way to beat mid-day doldrums.
Our minds have a natural tendency to give more weight to negative experiences. Negative thoughts contribute to anxiety and stress. Anxiety is quite common among adults but fighting it every day becomes a strenuous affair, especially when you are unaware of the right methods to cope with it. Yoga trains your mind to live in the present moment. It helps change our thought patterns consciously. You can also join Yoga classes tailored to improve mental health for quick results.
Looking for certified Yoga instructors? YogaNiti delivers customized classes for individuals across demographics. You can master Yoga from the comfort of your home with online sessions and flexible timings that suit your schedule. We also offer weekend batches for specific ailments. Get in touch with YogaNiti for more details and anxiety-busting Yoga sessions!
