Exploring the Benefits of Yoga for Anxiety
Yoga has long been a popular form of exercise and stress relief. But can it also help with anxiety? In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of yoga for anxiety and discuss the best types of yoga for managing anxiety, as well as how often you should practise yoga for anxiety.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease that can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life. Anxiety can manifest in a bunch of different ways, including physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and stomach problems. Not fun at all.
If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone. In fact, anxiety is the number one mental health concern in the world next to depression. It’s estimated that 275 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. That’s around 4% of the global population. While around 62% of those suffering from anxiety are female (170 million), 105 million are male.
What exactly is yoga?
Yoga is a mind and body practice that originated in ancient India. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to yoke" or "to unite," and the practice of yoga is designed to help individuals unite the mind, body, and spirit.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to more than 5,000 years ago, and it has been practised in various forms throughout the centuries. In its earliest form, yoga was a spiritual practice that was used to help individuals achieve enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Over time, the practice of yoga evolved to include a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual techniques, including postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness.
The purpose of yoga - at least here in the West - is to improve physical and mental health, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. Through the practice of yoga, you can develop greater flexibility, strength, and endurance, and improve their overall physical health. Yoga can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation and inner peace.
Check out our guide on yoga for men to learn more about the practice and find heaps of tips on how to get started.
Benefits of yoga for anxiety
There are a number of benefits of yoga for anxiety. Some of the most notable benefits include:
Reduced stress and anxiety: The physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques used in yoga can help to calm the mind and the body, and many people find that regular yoga practice helps them to manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
Improved physical health: In addition to its mental health benefits, yoga can also improve physical health. The postures and movements used in yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, and can promote overall physical well-being.
Cultivation of mindfulness and inner peace: The spiritual aspects of yoga can help you to develop a greater sense of mindfulness and inner peace. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions, you can start to cultivate a sense of inner calm and well-being.
Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance: Through the practice of yoga, individuals can develop a greater understanding of their thoughts and emotions, and learn to accept themselves as they are. This can help to improve self-esteem and self-acceptance, and can be beneficial for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.
Which yoga is best for anxiety?
There are several types of yoga that can be beneficial for managing anxiety, and the best type for you comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Some forms of yoga that are helpful for reducing anxiety include:
Hatha Yoga
This is a gentle form of yoga that focuses on physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Hatha yoga can help calm the mind and body, and can be a good choice for beginners or for people looking to relieve stress and anxiety.
Vinyasa Yoga
This type of yoga involves flowing movements that coordinate with the breath. Vinyasa yoga can be a more dynamic practice that can help to energize the body and mind, and can be particularly helpful for those who experience anxiety as a result of a sedentary lifestyle.
Yin Yoga
This is a slow-paced, meditative form of yoga that involves holding poses for extended periods of time. Yin yoga can help to calm the mind and release physical tension, and can be a good option for those who are looking to reduce anxiety through relaxation.
In general, any type of yoga that focuses on breath control, relaxation, and mindfulness can be helpful for reducing anxiety. It may also be helpful to try different types of yoga and see which ones work best for you. Additionally, practising yoga regularly can help to build a sense of community and support for us guys, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety.
How long does it take for yoga to help anxiety?
The effects of yoga on anxiety can vary depending on the individual and the type of yoga they are practising. In general, the relaxation techniques and mindful breathing exercises that are often used in yoga can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone is different, and it may take some people longer to experience the benefits of yoga for anxiety than others.
As with any form of exercise or therapy, it is important to practise yoga regularly in order to see the maximum benefits. Some people may notice a difference in their anxiety levels after just one or two sessions, while others may need to practise for several weeks or months before they see a significant improvement. It is also important to choose a yoga class or instructor that is suitable for your needs and abilities, and to listen to your body and take breaks when necessary.
In general, the key to seeing the benefits of yoga for anxiety is to practise regularly and consistently, and to be patient and persistent. Over time, the relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises that are commonly used in yoga can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, and many people find that they are able to manage their anxiety more effectively as a result.
Is yoga or meditation better for anxiety?
I’s difficut to say whether yoga or meditation is better for anxiety, as both practices can be effective in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. The choice between yoga and meditation may depend on an individual's personal preferences and what they find most helpful for managing their anxiety.
Yoga involves a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, and it can help to reduce anxiety by calming the mind and the body. Many people find that the mindful movement and deep breathing that are used in yoga can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation, and regular yoga practice may help to improve overall well-being and reduce anxiety over time.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity, and it can be an effective way to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Some people find that meditation helps them to let go of worries and negative thoughts, and to develop a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Regular meditation practice may also help to improve mental clarity, focus, and overall well-being, and it may be especially helpful for managing anxiety and stress.
Overall, both yoga and meditation can be effective tools for managing anxiety, and the choice between the two may depend on personal preference and what feels most helpful for an individual. It may be useful to try both practices and see which one works best for you.
How often should you do yoga for anxiety?
The frequency that you should practise yoga for anxiety will depend on a number of factors, including your individual needs and goals, your current level of physical fitness, and the type of yoga you are practising. In general, it is recommended that you practise yoga at least once or twice a week in order to see the benefits for anxiety. However, some people may find that practising yoga more frequently, such as every day or several times a week, is more helpful for managing their anxiety.
It is important to listen to your body and to not overdo it when practising yoga for anxiety. If you are new to yoga or have not been practising regularly, it may be best to start with one or two beginner-level classes per week, and to gradually increase the frequency of your practice as you become more comfortable and confident with the poses and breathing exercises. If you are feeling particularly anxious or stressed, you may find that practising yoga more frequently can be helpful for managing your symptoms.
Overall, the key to seeing the benefits of yoga for anxiety is to practise regularly and consistently, and to listen to your body and adjust your practice accordingly. Over time, regular yoga practice can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, and many people find that it is an effective tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
The wrap-up
Yoga is an incredible mind and body practice that can be beneficial for managing anxiety. The poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques used in yoga can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of worry and fear.
Important: While yoga can help to manage anxiety overtime, it’s no substitute for professional help - especially if your symptoms are getting in the way of your day to day life.
Check out this site for some useful resources including organisations, articles and website for information and support about anxiety.
