Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
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Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety is a normal part of life. It is natural to feel forms of anxiety at different levels. Anxiety helps us to be careful drivers and can happen in normal situations such as cramming for an upcoming final. However, sometimes anxiety can become overwhelming, making it difficult to know how to react or cope with it in healthy, productive ways.*
Depression comes in many forms, and severity can vary from person to person. Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness are challenging and can negatively affect many different aspects of your life.
Both anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, making them the most studied conditions. Luckily, there are many treatments to help you take control. At Integrated Counseling and Wellness, there are many services and treatment options available to help increase your wellness and mental health. Integrating yoga in your life also has many benefits that can help with anxiety and depression.
What is Yoga?
Yoga originated in ancient India as a practice that trains and cultivates harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation. It has functioned well for stress reduction, self-soothing, increasing strength and flexibility, and even socializing. The practice of yoga has grown in popularity over recent decades as a form of exercise, mindfulness, and even treatment for anxiety and depression. Yoga can vary from a gentle, relaxing flow to a strenuous, sweat-inducing workout.
Benefits of Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
The practice of regular yoga has positive benefits on mental health.
- Cultivate physical and mental self-awareness
- Learn ways to ease and deal with chronic pain
- Practice determination in the face of obstacles
- Develop self-confidenceLearn relaxation techniques
- Learn techniques to regulate emotions
- Develop contentment and find meaning in your trials through meditation and mindfulness
- Cultivate cognitive flexibility
- Learn how to face fears
- Find an internal focus of control
- Connect with your higher power, yourself, and others as you gain a sense of wholeness
- Learn ways to let go of obsessive thinking and repetitive thoughts**
Natural Anxiety Relief
Yoga interprets anxiety and depression as “dukkah”, or obstructed space. The practice of yoga allows the participator to clear mental and physical obstruction that can contribute to mental illness, anxiety, and depression.* It aids in rebuilding resilience in the face of life’s inevitable difficulties and challenges.
Yoga appears to adjust stress response by reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration. It strengthens the body and mind’s ability to respond to stress with more resilience**. To better control symptoms, patients with anxiety and depression find yoga very appealing and effective. Science also demonstrates that mental and physical health work hand in hand and are inherently parallel.
You Can Find Lasting Relief From Anxiety
It may take work and time but you can feel better and more hopeful, calmer, and more confident. If you are ready to take control of your anxiety, or if you have additional questions about treatment for anxiety and depression, we invite you to call 208-357-3104 or contact us through this site to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Footnotes
*https://integratedcounselingandwellness.com/services/anxiety-and-depression-counseling/
