Just minutes of practicing yoga and mindfulness can relieve anxiety. It can take the edge off from feeling overwhelmed. If you feel like your chest is heavy and tight from stress, mindfulness can regulate your breathing.
The truth is the more you worry about something the bigger the worry can get! The more you ignore something you fear or put it aside for later, the more it presents in some form. As scary as it may be, facing what seems to be a mountain of tasks, a fear, or a person can ease your anxiety. Even if you are not sure how to start, you can start to include yoga in your week.
Maybe your feelings or thoughts of overwhelm and anxiety come from:
- managing a few projects at a time
- an unpleasant co-worker or work situation
- overloading your schedule
- not always making a schedule
- self-doubt
- the need to address a serious family matter
It can be anything, different life situations can be more serious than others. It also depends on where you are at in your life. Handling issues 2 years ago may be different than this year or this very moment. Knowing what may “derail” you from a productive or relaxing day is important.
Better yet (positive thinking), knowing what keeps you on track is very important! It’s about refocusing, knowing when and how to nudge yourself to do what serves you best during the above mentioned challenging times. Serving yourself also means:
- treating yourself
- keeping your inner peace
- winding down
- maintaining mental health
- maintaining physical health
In comes 5 to 10 minutes of yoga. From past and very recent experiences of being weighed down with loads of anxious thoughts and a tight chest from anxiety, I have to stop in my tracks to do yoga or meditate. Hearing this might sound silly, from a yoga teacher…but I thought after my quick yoga practice “It worked! I feel better from just those 10 minutes of yoga!!” I am human and at times get caught up in worry instead of showering myself with self-care. Doing yoga instantly reminds me of the benefits of yoga:
- breathing easier
- mental clarity
- refreshed, more ready to continue the day
- more energy to physically move
You, too, can enjoy the benefits of yoga and mindfulness, minutes at a time. In times of stress and in times of being calm. Making it a habit to practice yoga and mindfulness even in peaceful times is key.
These are some quick yoga and breathing practices to try to help relieve anxiety and stress:
Having a routine and practicing 3 to 4 times a week can allow for even greater benefits. Improved breathing, mental clarity, and flexibility. Yoga and mindfulness cannot erase any anxiety, stressors, and fears yet it sure can help you be better prepared mentally and physically to manage yourself in life.
Angela Franklin is a passionate yoga instructor, who wants to empower women to be their own advocates to improve their holistic health. She also has a background in the medical, mental health, and fitness professions. To get more information about yoga, wellness, and courses visit: https://freedomyogawithangelafranklin.com/