Can We Use Yoga as a Treatment for Anxiety?

Today’s modern life is laden with stress. Gone are the days when people were okay with whatever they had and survived. But in this era of fierce competition, anxiety and depression come as a byproduct. But how do you deal with this bundle of stress? Thankfully, yoga entered as a knight in shining armour for us. Many doctors believe that yoga can prove to be an elixir for anxiety.

It’s been a while since people are paying heed to yoga and mental health. Coincidentally, both go hand in hand. The wave of yoga amplified especially, post covid when people got stuck in their homes with financial and human losses. And that anxiety disorders are continuing and even escalating.

Causes and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is stimulated through a series of causes involving biochemical imbalances in the brain, genetic predisposition, environmental stresses, and others. Life incidents or trauma, child abuse, bullying, violence, loss of beloved and changes in life can trigger anxiety. Major symptoms include –

Physical symptoms

Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Trembling
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Cold or tingling feet or hands
Shortness of breath

Mental symptoms

Feeling of restlessness
Irritability
Difficulty in concentrating
The feeling of danger
doom, or panic.

Behavioural symptoms

Strange behaviour
Skipping everyday activities
Trouble sleeping
Nausea and others

How Does Yoga Help with Anxiety?

The searches for yoga treatment for anxiety and yoga to reduce anxiety have increased manifold. Studies highlighted the vitalness of yoga and its effectiveness in reducing anxiety. The practice involves various techniques and asanas to tackle the overall mental well-being –

Breathing techniques
Meditation
Physical postures

It is a well-known science that yoga has the power to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It ultimately contributes to relaxation and reduces the stress response. Few studies demonstrate that yoga for anxiety can significantly contribute to lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones boost mood and slash off anxiety.

Moreover, deep breathing can work wonders for your body and soul. It improves oxygen flow to the brain which in turn diminishes anxiety.

Benefits of Yoga for Anxiety

You might be thinking how yoga helps with anxiety. Let’s jump onto the benefits –

Enhances mindfulness that helps in coping with anxiety.
It stimulates a deep sense of awareness for thoughts and feelings, minimising anxious thoughts.
It fosters physical fitness. Different yoga postures and asanas help in a physical workout that produces happy hormones.
It induces better blood flow, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Increases concentration power, energy levels, and overall mental well-being.

Types of Yoga Practices Beneficial for Anxiety

There are various yoga poses for anxiety relief and we will explore what types of yoga practices can help you steer clear of anxiety and depression.

Restorative Yoga –

It involves holding poses for an extended period, majorly supported by the props. It is helpful in deep relaxation and stress relief.

Power Vinyasa –

This type includes dynamic sequences that enhance mental well-being and physical prowess. It promotes enhanced mood and envisages breath-based practice contributing to better mental health.

Vinyasa Flow

This kind of yoga involves power yoga and Ashtanga. It contains continuous movements that release pent-up energy and improve mood.

Meditation and mindful practices –

It is commonly integrated with modern yoga practices that amplify emotional resilience and mental clarity.

Yoga is a transformative process. It evolves a human being physically and mentally into a better being. It is used as a powerful tool to combat anxiety issues. Many individuals have found solace in this measure and experienced anxiety relief through yoga at Yoga Base, London. For instance, a 29-year-old marketing professional, Jack says, “I learned to focus on my breath and it helped me to remain in the present, reducing my anxiety for the future”.

Likewise, a student named Mark says, “Yoga for anxiety has worked wonders for me. I feel lighter than ever before. It has helped me feel grounded and deal with social situations which were a nightmare for me earlier”. Many instances prove that yoga and mental health are closely interconnected.

When to Seek Professional Help?

It is paramount to discover the right time to start doing yoga regularly. If your daily life incidents are triggering any anxiety and stress that is affecting your life, relations, or workplace, it may be the right time to consult the physician. Veteran therapists at Yoga Base, London can offer personalised strategies tailored to your needs and help you live a peaceful life. Get enrolled in our yoga classes today!