Stay updated, sign up for our free newsletter to receive useful tips
Full NameEmail Id
Yoga: A tried and tested method in de-stressing
Yoga is a Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language) word which means union of the mind, body and soul. Yoga involves getting into certain postures (called asanas), with the help of breathing and meditation techniques.
It also helps to bring down stress levels.The use of yoga for stress management is getting popular.
Yoga has three primary components. They are postures (asanas), breathing and meditation. This article focuses on yogic postures and breathing techniques used for stress management.
Starting yoga:
Once you've decided to start doing yoga and don't know how to go about it, you can make use of this practical guide for reference:
First rule:
Consult your physician before staring any form of exercise. Inform your physician about any conditions that may prove to be adverse while performing yoga.
Research on yoga styles:
Yoga involves intertwining of limbs to achieve a posture. You may feel that you will be uncomfortable while doing some of these postures. Alternatively, you may want to start yoga to complement your fitness. Hence may want to practice advanced yogic postures.
Therefore, you have to spend some time in researching yoga styles and then decide on what type of yogic posture is right for your personality trait and physical fitness. If you are new, it will be right to get started with the basic beginner yoga that features gentle asana. Search the Internet on yogic postures and exercises, or drop into the local library and borrow a book on yoga.
Search for a good class:
The local newspaper will be full of advertisements of yoga studios promising you instant relief from stress. Ignore these and do your own research. Speak to friends who are already practicing yoga or search in Internet blogs and message boards and you will be able to narrow down your choice.
While selecting a class you must also keep student profile in mind. Classes having young students normally teach strenuous exercises. Check on your teacher's background, training and experience too.
If you do not have access to yoga classes, then you can collect DIY books and yoga videos to relieve stress. There is nothing like learning directly from a good teacher.
Yoga attire and paraphernalia:
Yoga is practiced by wearing comfortable clothes. Lycra can make you slip. You don't need to spend anything at all on shoes since you are required to practice yoga with a barefoot. Yoga is done on thin-cushioned mats that create a soft wedge between you and the hard ground.
Starting your first class? Read this first:
Before attempting a yoga exercise, there are Do's and there are Don'ts. Here is a brief List:
Eat light and eat a few hours before your class begins.
Avoid drinking water during class.
Inform your teacher about the asana you are comfortable with. If you are uncomfortable with any asana, inform your teacher immediately.
If it is your first class, or if you need any help, go right to your teacher and discuss it with him or her.
Talk to other students who match your personality traits. Do not compare yourself with younger or advanced students.
Familiarize yourself with basic yoga postures before starting a yoga course.
Do not wear shoes or socks in the classroom.
Even if you feel uncomfortable after your first class, do come back for the next and once yoga starts working.
Stress busting yoga asanas
Yoga combines postures with breathing techniques and meditation. The postures stretch your limbs and exercise and soothe your muscles, organs and the nervous system while the breathing technique helps you focus and relax at the same time. So, no matter what the asanas are called there are a few common principles inbuilt into all stress relieving asanas:
Mind focus:
Yoga helps you control your mind by making it focus on your breath and posture. This reins in the mind and agitated thoughts are put out of the way. It also gives you resistance to external stimulation and any negative thoughts are replaced with positive ones.
Breathing focus:
The inhalation and exhalation that you carry out in a yoga asana soothes the nervous system. You also start going about your tasks in a calm and positive way.
Body Focus:
You get to know about each and every body part and organ, and how each of them functions once you are familiar with yoga. Once you are more aware of what happens to your body, you tend to maintain your health.
Here are a few simple and basic asanas that help relieve stress:
Savasana:
It is also known as the corpse pose and is happens to be a a stress reliever.
Makarasana:
Makara means crocodile. While performing this asana the body assumes the shape of a crocodile. It is as effective as Savasana.
Balasana:
This is also known as the child's pose. While doing this asana you have to bend forward in such a way that your back is gently rounded.
Yogic breathing:
Yogic breathing is also known as pranayama. There are different types of yogic breathings which help you in beating stress directly or indirectly.
No matter what you read in a Do-it-yourself yogic exercise book or video, it is always advisable to perform yogic exercises under the supervision of a teacher.
