Anxiety and stress have a way of sneaking into our lives when we least expect it. Whether it’s fretting over an impending exam, the judgment of friends and family, the nerves before a first date or the anxiety that creeps in before a crucial job interview, these emotions are all too familiar. A touch of fear can be a healthy part of life, much like a pinch of salt in a recipe; it keeps us disciplined, focused, and alert. But possible trouble begins when this fear evolves into a persistent, overwhelming force that disrupts our daily existence. This could be the onset of an anxiety disorder, a state marked by excessive uneasiness, persistent worry, or an irrational fear of the unknown. Fortunately, there is hope, and yoga can help play a pivotal role in managing and mitigating anxiety.
The Power of Yoga in Managing Anxiety
Regular yoga practice can promote calmness and relaxation in your daily life, equipping you with the resilience to confront challenges without succumbing to restlessness. The holistic approach to yoga includes Asanas (physical postures), Pranayamas (breathing techniques), meditation and a touch of ancient wisdom. Countless research has proven that this comprehensive regimen has the potential to calm an unsettling mind, empower and help us find positivity and strength.
Here are some yoga techniques we can try to reduce our overall level of anxiety.
- Don’t skip Savasana. This is normally the last part of any yoga practice. It is also a fundamental part of the practice itself. If you feel you are ready to try something new, you can indulge in some Yoga Nidra for a few minutes to provide your mind and body with profound relaxation. This technique aids in purging toxins, a significant contributor to stress, from your system.
- Pranayamas for anxiety relief. Focusing on your breath can declutter your mind and alleviate unnecessary thoughts that fuel anxiety. Some breathing exercises such as Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull-Shining Breathing Technique), Bhastrika Pranayama, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing, where exhalation is longer than inhalation) or Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) can help restore a sense of peace and control.
- Meditation for a serene mind. Meditation serves as an effective technique to calm a distracted mind, fostering tranquillity and mindfulness. It allows you to observe how your mind fixates on trivial matters. Scientific research indicates that regular meditation can significantly reduce stress hormone levels, such as adrenaline.
- Embrace the ancient philosophical principles of yoga. You can try incorporating the timeless wisdom of yoga philosophy into your daily life, embracing simple yet profound principles (Yamas and Niyamas – see my previous articles about these). For example, the principle of Santosha (contentment) teaches you the value of satisfaction, while Aprigraha helps you overcome the desire for excessive possessions, a common source of stress and anxiety.
- Practice kindness whenever you can. Sometimes it can be very beneficial to shift our focus from self-centred concerns to how we can be of service to others. Engaging in acts of kindness can provide deep satisfaction and immense joy, reducing personal stress and anxiety.
- Reflect on impermanence Spending some time putting things into perspective can also help when we feel overwhelmed. Especially reflecting on the fact that everything is temporary and subject to change can foster inner peace. Meditation is a great tool to master this fundamental aspect of life.
- Recall past triumphs and surround yourself with positivity. Reminding yourself of past situations where you successfully conquered anxiety is an important step towards creating a positive mindset. Also spending time with your favourite people can have a very beneficial effect on our mood. Setting the grounds for positive feelings such as joy, peace and relaxation can fill us with courage and bolster belief in your ability to overcome current challenges.
Like with any other benefits of yoga, it’s essential to understand that your practice should not replace medical treatment but it could certainly complement it after consulting with a healthcare professional. Incorporating these yoga techniques into your daily routine can help embrace life with renewed optimism and resilience. Healing is a journey, and yoga is a tool that we can use at our advantage to achieve a brighter, anxiety-free future.
