The yoga technique has been around for centuries; however, a more modern, less religious form of yoga has recently been introduced and has become quite a trend. There a numerous forms or types of yoga that may appeal to a variety of individuals. “Yoga has been shown to improve many health issues including anxiety and stress. It is affordable and can be done by nearly anyone of any age or ability. Yoga has also been shown to improve immune function and allows patients a way to engage in self-management, (Lisa Diamond, 2012).
Stress produces a state of physical and mental tension. “In yoga, physical postures and breathing exercises improve muscle strength, flexibility, blood circulation and oxygen uptake as well as hormone function. The physiological benefits which follow, help yoga practitioners become more resilient to stressful conditions and reduce a variety of important risk factors for various diseases, especially cardio-respiratory diseases,” (Parshad O, The West Indian Medical Journal, 2004, 53(3):191-194.
My suggestion would be to research the appropriate form of yoga that suits you and gradually incorporate this form into your upcoming week. Whether it is a structured class or in the comfort of your own home, all it takes is 30 min to an hour to focus on you and nothing else around you. Become aware of your body and become in control of your breathing and life around you will slowly fall into place. You will eventually learn how to calm your breathing and deal with stressful situations.
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING MORE
To find more information on the stress management technique, yoga, locate various yoga classes in your area. Or the approach I took was purchasing my own yoga mat and researched yoga videos online and followed along at my own pace. Having started practicing yoga I can see a difference in my overall stress levels in unpleasant situations. I am able to control my breathing and reduce negative stimuli. (youtube.com
WORKS CITED
Diamond, Lisa. The Benefits of Yoga in Improving Health. Primary Health Care. Mar2012, Vol. 22 Issue 2, p16-19. 4p. 1
Parshad O, Role of yoga in stress management. The West Indian Medical Journal [2004, 53(3):191-194]
Yoga – Benefits Beyond the Mat. February, 2015. Harvard Health Publications.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat
Yoga for anxiety and depression, April, 2009. Harvard Health Publications.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression
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