Yoga Therapy for Stress and Anxiety

Has anyone ever told you to “Just breathe” when you're feeling stressed or anxious?

_     This is a simple yet profound piece of advice to receive when you're under pressure. Focusing on the inhalations and exhalations brings a sense of calm. One of the fundamental practices in yoga therapy is focusing on the breath. Movement is linked to breath as you flow through the postures in a session, which helps you stay focused on processing emotions in the present moment. Yoga therapy for stress and anxiety is a simple way to reduce tension in daily life.

     When someone is under stress, the signs are visible physically and mentally. The result may be a pounding headache, heightened breath, or tension in the shoulders. In these instances, people often to turn to medication, alcohol or drugs to numb out the negative sensations. Over time, these stress responses can create health problems, but the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

     These harmful emotions are stored in the body, and remain stagnant unless they are processed. Yoga therapy addresses both the mental and physical effects of stress and anxiety by consciously “letting go” and turning inward. It is through your body that you will learn the most about yourself.

     One of the reasons yoga therapy is so powerful is the addition of therapeutic touch and movement. Traditional talk therapy typically doesn’t involve physical contact. Alternatively, yoga therapy spends more time focusing on body sensations, teaching clients to pay attention to what is happening in their physical body, versus getting caught up in thought. 

​     Touch promotes trust and communication between the therapist and client. Adding to these positive feelings, yoga and meditation are known ways to increase endorphins, the “feel good” sensations in the brain. Combining these practices with talk therapy helps the client to release emotions by vocalizing them. 

     Doing yoga therapy for stress combines elements of mindful movement, meditation and talk therapy to work through emotions and issues that the client is dealing with. Connecting the mind and body allows the client to turn inward to process difficult emotions.

     Personal growth and self discovery are a result of taking the time to listen to your inner voice. As you are guided through the process of yoga therapy, you will notice increased awareness of physical and mental sensations, and learn a coping tool to help you manage stress.

     Does decreasing stress and anxiety through yoga therapy sound intriguing? Try it out!
Taking daily mini-breaks to turn inward and reconnect to your true north can help you feel grounded. When stressful emotions arise, taking five minutes to focus on the breath, meditate, or practice a few sun salutations can do wonders for your sense of well being.
 
     Even simply turning off your cell phone and computer for a few minutes and sitting in silence can be beneficial. An overactive brain needs rest in order to process emotions properly. Dealing with stress responses as they arise throughout the day will help reduce anxiety and process emotions.

Please contact me to learn more or schedule a yoga therapy session.