5 ways yoga lowers stress and anxiety

One in four North Americans will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in his life. These disorders are sometimes accompanied by panic attacks. Panic attacks can be accompanied by heart palpitations, sudden sweating, dizziness and shallow breathing. Living with anxiety and panic attacks is difficult, but there are a variety of techniques that can help relieve symptoms. Yoga is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Here's how yoga can help you reduce anxiety.

1. Yoga allows you to focus on your breathing.
When a person is in an anxiety attack, his breathing is short and superficial. This can aggravate a panic attack because this type of breathing causes weakness and a light-headed. The most important aspect of yoga is to focus on breathing. Practicing one's breathing through one's yoga practice is a useful skill that can be applied to other areas of life. You feel anxious or stressed, do not forget to take deep breaths and nits until you begin to feel more relaxed.

2. Exercise releases endorphin.
Like other forms of exercise, yoga can release endorphin. Endorphins are brain neurotransmitters that improve mood, reduce the symptoms of depression, and relieve stress and anxiety. Endorphins are essentially an all natural antidepressant. Plus, the flexibility and strength of yoga can help prevent injuries and reduce chronic pain.

3. Yoga reduces muscle tension.
When we feel anxious or stressed, we contract certain areas of our body without even realizing it. Stress or anxiety can lead to pain and muscle tension in the back, head, neck, shoulders and other areas. Yoga helps relieve muscle tension by strengthening, lengthening and relaxing sore muscles. Over time, yoga can also improve posture, which helps reduce muscle tension

​4. Yoga is difficult.
Yoga is a challenge - even if you are a more experienced yogi, you will probably have some poses that are still difficult for you. Engaging in something that is difficult - and persevering even when it is difficult - will give you more confidence.
In a particularly difficult posture, it's time to breathe. It's the same thing when you feel uncomfortable. Accept the discomfort. You have survived feeling uncomfortably anxious before, and you will have it again. Accept the discomfort instead of trying to fight it. Breathe!

5. Yoga classes emphasize on the community and faith.
When you have anxiety, you may feel that no one understands you. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Yoga classes are a way to meet new people and develop a sense of belonging. During resting postures, instructors offer ways to relax and be more present. In fact, the focus is on finding peace and strength in yourself. Having faith in something greater than yourself can be helpful when trying to cope with anxiety.

In conclusion
Yoga is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and stress. It can help you focus on breathing, release endorphins, relieve muscle tension, gain confidence, and become part of a community. If you have never tried yoga before, I encourage you to give it a try.

Patrick Desrochers / Samsara Hatha Yoga