De-stress With Yoga – Part 2
In part 1 of Ease Thy Stress, we understand that stress is inevitable and it is a fact of life. So the best solution is to learn how to deal with stress. Many people practice yoga to de-stress and often find yoga very helpful. So how does the practice of yoga help to relieve the stress?
Yoga is a mind, body and soul practice. It involves the practice of physical postures while maintaining a slow, even and controlled breathing. When the breath is even, the mind becomes more calm, clear and focused. Eventually, the body becomes relaxed and energized at the same time.
With regular yoga practice, our awareness is heightened hence allowing us to identify our stressors. When we are able to identify the true cause of our stress, it becomes an easy task to manage. Instead of feeling frustrated, choose to take a deep breath in. Instead of binge eating, you become more mindful of your eating patterns. Insomnia can be cured and you find yourself getting more restful sleep at night.
With a variety of yoga styles available, choose one that fits you. If you are not sure, try out a few different classes – hatha, ashtanga, therapy, restorative, iyengar, yin etc. Give yourself some time before committing and ask questions about the particular style you are interested in.
Make time for practice. Very commonly people practice once a week and expect miracles to happen without making an effort to change their daily habits and patterns in dealing with their current stressful situations. By committing to a daily yoga practice, changes are more likely to take place.
Start small - a five minute daily practice works better than an hour weekly practice. Focus on the quality of your practice – breathe with more awareness and learn to connect with how and where your physical body is feeling the stress.
If your intention is to reduce the stress, you need to start looking at the areas of your life that are causing the stress. Say goodbye to unnecessary tasks, obligations and expectations that are taking up your time and space. Welcome in a wide range of positive and enriching experiences in your life. Manage your stress wisely – with yoga, it can be a lighter path to a healthier life(style).
To change is difficult, not to change is fatal.
- Annoymous