Yoga For Stress
Breathe.
In through the nose, out through the mouth. In… out… in… out.
Got it? Good! You’re one step closer to reaching enlightenment! Or, at least, calming your mind for a moment of peace.
In the fast pace of today’s society, and the unknowns that lie ahead due to the current state of the world, taking a moment for yourself and centering your mind, emotions and thoughts is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Our favorite way to consistently make time for ourselves? You might have guessed it. 😉
Yoga.
Yoga is a healthy, natural way to both reduce and relieve stress, and the physical health benefits aren’t anything to sneeze at, either.
There are numerous varieties of yoga, but for stress relief, many look to Hatha as their practice of choice. This style of yoga is often used by beginners as well, with its slower movements and a focus on breathing, alignment and meditation… which is ideal for reducing stress and encouraging introspection and self-exploration.
You might think the poses seem simple and are not physically challenging, but the most difficult of them will challenge your body at its edge, and the “easier” poses will allow you to relax every muscle in your body to simply… Be. The movement, the asanas, and even how long you hold each pose to breathe will shift and work your body in different ways, encouraging blood flow, releasing tension, strengthening muscles, and allow you to test and explore the limits of your body.
In addition to the benefits of moving your body, yoga is a great meditative practice that helps you to create a calming strength that keeps you focused and present throughout your daily life. Even if you already practice yoga for the fitness benefits, taking time for yoga is a great way to practice breathing, meditation and taking time to care for yourself.
Breathing is a simple, natural thing we do for our entire lives, but it’s rare that we actually focus on how we do it. Breathing is one of the most important functions your body does, and focusing on how you breathe gives you more control over it. A “proper” breathing technique can reduce stress all on its own, as you allow yourself to focus on yourself rather than the trials and tribulations of the outside world. Combined with the benefits of yoga, it’s no wonder many doctors suggest yoga as an alternative treatment for stress.
Meditation is a wholly introspective action, but it’s another key component in stress-relieving yoga. Many classes incorporate meditation into their routines, encouraging you to relax and become more aware of the ‘now’, rather than the past or the future. Even a few brief moments of introspective relaxation during a yoga routine can help reduce your general stress levels for the rest of the day.
Whether or not you’re looking for a comforting solution to stretch your body and quiet your mind, or you’re looking for a rigorous workout that takes you into the depths of your mind, yoga is a great solution to manage stress and improve your day to day life.
Want to escape for a yoga retreat in paradise? Whether it’s the yoga, the sounds of nature, the world class massages or the jungle enveloping your senses with the ocean lapping in the background – a trip to Anamaya is a stress reliever like you’ve never experienced before. Learn more about upcoming retreats HERE.
