Yoga as a therapy:

 Yoga to destress, manage anxiety & symptoms of depression 

Good morning yogini’s.
This month I am sharing with you all- how yoga can be used as a therapy, to minimise
stress, to manage anxiety and to manage the symptoms of depression. The last
few months have been so busy. In the past when my schedule became busy, as I
became consumed with the demands of everyday, my stress levels would rise, I would
become frazzled and overwhelmed and experience all the symptoms of stress-
brain fog, body aches, tension, irritability etc.. My body and mind would suffer. 

Since finding yoga and a practice that works for me – I have used this powerful
tool to manage my stress and anxiety. Do you ever feel overwhelmed with life,
trying to juggle all demands. This article is intended to educate you on how
yoga can benefit your body, mind and soul. Yoga isn’t just about bending
yourself into a human pretzel – it’s also a powerful tool for managing stress,
anxiety, and even the symptoms of depression. So when you feel like life’s
throwing you one too many curveballs, grab your yoga mat and get ready to
discover the healing magic of yoga therapy!

Finding Calm amidst the Chaos: Yoga to destress

Picture this: you’re on your mat, surrounded by soft music and gentle candlelight, sinking
into a blissful child’s pose. Suddenly, all the worries and stresses of the day
melt away as you focus on the rhythm of your breath. That’s the beauty of yoga
therapy – it’s like pressing pause on the chaos of life and giving yourself
permission to just be. Whether you’re flowing through a gentle sequence or
finding stillness in meditation, yoga has a way of soothing the mind and
calming the nervous system, leaving you feeling grounded and centered. 

There are many ways in which your yoga practice can be used to reduce stress, simple

asanas like child’s pose, crocodile pose, and breathing techniques  – deep belly breathing, 3 part breath, or simply

lengthening the exhale all proven to stimulate the PSNS – parasympathetic nervous system  – bringing a sense of calm and

ease over body and mind.

A Lifeline for Anxiety:

If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, you know just how exhausting it can be to constantly feel on edge. But guess what? Yoga therapy might just be your new BFF when it comes to managing those anxious feelings. By combining gentle movement with mindful breathing, yoga helps to lower levels of cortisol (aka the stress hormone) in the body, leaving you feeling more relaxed and at ease.

Plus, the sense of community you’ll find in a yoga class can provide a

much-needed support system on those tough days when anxiety comes knocking. 

Yoga can help to minimise the symptoms of anxiety, releasing tension from the body,

relaxing muscles, finding stillness in body & mind. Simple asanas such as

balancing poses can help to provide focus & clarity, twists and hip openers

can help to rid of negative emotions.

Shining a Light on Depression:

Let’s talk about depression – a topic that’s often shrouded in stigma and shame. But here’s the thing: depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Enter yoga therapy – a gentle yet powerful tool for managing the symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can help to boost mood, increase feelings of self-worth, and even improve sleep quality – all of which are key players in the fight against depression. 

So, if you’re feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, why not give yoga therapy a try?  You might just be surprised at the light it brings into your life.  Want to try it at home, a yoga practice for depression includes hip and heart openers, these help to release stress and detoxify the body & mind, also by incorporating cleansing breathing practices and energising pranayama – kapalabhati – ‘skull shining breath’ can boost mood.

Yoga therapy isn’t just for the experienced yogi; we all have to start somewhere, I never considered myself a typical Yogi. I was always into health and fitness, more a gym bunny, but since starting my yoga journey, the benefits to my lifestyle, to my body and mind have been life changing. Whether you’re battling stress, anxiety, depression, or just the everyday craziness of life, yoga has something to offer everyone. 

Find calm amidst the chaos and reclaim your sense of well-being. Feel better in body & mind.

And if you’re still on the fence about giving yoga a try, just remember: the only way to discover the transformative power of yoga is to roll out your mat and dive in headfirst. Trust me, your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it. Namaste

Intrigued in the benefits of yoga for body & mind, want to experience for yourself?  

Join me on the mat at an upcoming class, yoga experience, workshop or retreat.

“Yoga is not just about touching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.” – Judith Hanson Lasater

Connect deeper to self, come to understand your body and mind and make decisions to truly BENEFIT you daily.

‘Yoga as a lifestyle’

Feel better in body & mind

See you on the mat soon!

Namaste,

Jenny Xx 

Next month’s blog… coming soon