Stress and Anxiety
Calm Your Mind and Relieve Tension with Soothing Yoga for Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are two closely related yet distinct experiences that affect millions of people globally. While stress is a natural response to demands and challenges, excessive or chronic stress can lead to anxiety, characterized by excessive worry and physical symptoms.
Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, apprehension, and fear. It can be a normal response to stressful situations, but when it becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily life and well-being. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United Kingdom, affecting over 40 million adults every year.
The exact cause of stress and anxiety can vary depending on individual experiences and vulnerabilities. However, some common factors include:
- Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to anxiety and stress due to their genetic makeup.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
- Life experiences: Traumatic events, chronic stress, and major life changes can trigger or worsen anxiety.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, like thyroid problems or chronic pain, can increase stress and anxiety.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug use can exacerbate anxiety and stress symptoms.
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog): Stretches the entire body, improves circulation, and energizes the mind.
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): Calms the mind, stretches the hamstrings, and improves flexibility.
- Utthita Trikonasana:Helps reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind, improving focus, and promoting deep stretching, which relieves tension in the body.
- Surya Namaskara:calms the nervous system, improves blood circulation, and promotes a meditative state of mind, fostering overall relaxation and mental clarity.
- Shirshasana (Headstand): Promotes relaxation, improves blood flow to the brain, and calms the nervous system. (Contraindicated for beginners, high blood pressure, and certain eye conditions)
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): Relaxes the body and mind, promotes deep breathing, and relieves tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Stretches the hamstrings and spine, calms the mind, and relieves anxiety.
- Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose): Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves circulation in the legs.
Bhastrika: It boosts oxygen supply to the brain, calms the nervous system, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath): Calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and lowers blood pressure.
Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Balances the nervous system, reduces stress, and improves focus.
Adhomukha Svanasana
अधोमुख स्वनासन / Downward facing Dog Pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from Adhas/Adho (अधस्) meaning down, Mukha (मुख) …
Uttanasana
उत्तानासनI / Hand to Foot Pose
The name comes from the words उत्तान ,"intense stretch"; and आसन; āsana, "posture" …
Utthita Trikonasana
उत्थिता त्रिकोनासनI / Triangle Pose
The Sanskrit name comes from the Utthita, meaning “extended,” Trikona, meaning …
Surya Namaskara
सूर्य नमस्कार / Sun Salutation
The term is derived from two Sanskrit roots surya meaning "sun" and namaskar …
Sirsasana
शीर्षासन / Headstand
The sanskrit name is derived from sirsa (शीर्ष) meaning head and asana (आसन) …
Balasana
बालासना / Child's pose
The sanskrit name is derived from Bala (बाला) meaning child and āsana (आसन) …
Paschimottanasana
पश्चिमोत्तानासन / Seated Forward Bend
The Sanskrit name is derived from three Sanskrit words: Paschima (पश्चिमा) meaning …
Viparita karani
विपरिता करणी / Legs up the wall Pose
The Sanskrit name is derived from Viparita (विपरिता) meaning inverted and Karani …
Bhastrika Pranayama
भस्त्रिका प्राणायाम / Bellows Breath
The Sanskrit word “Bhastrika” means “bellows”, Prana meaning “Life force energy,” …
Bhramari Pranayama
भ्रामरी प्राणायाम / Humming Bee Breath
The Sanskrit word derived from Bhramar, which means “humming black bee", Prana …
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Anulom Vilom Pranayama )
नाडीशोधन प्राणायाम (अनुलोम विलोम प्राणायाम ) / Alternate Nostril Breathing
Nadi Shodhana ("alternate nostril breathing" or "channel cleaning breathing") …