10 Remarkably Simple Yoga Poses for Alleviating Stress and Anxiety

Yoga for Alleviating Anxiety Yoga, which translates to "union," signifies the connection between individual consciousness (Atma) and universal consciousness (Paramatma), or the higher soul. It encompasses more than just physical postures; it delves into the profound realms of the mind. At its core, yoga serves to tranquilize the mind, soothing the incessant chatter that characterizes it, often referred to as the "monkey mind." In times of severe anxiety, when it disrupts daily life, leading to anxiety disorders, yoga emerges as a potential aid. Anxiety can become overwhelming, intense, and sometimes debilitating, hindering one's ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Left unaddressed, anxiety may exacerbate. Yoga offers a path to mitigate such challenges by tempering the relentless activity of the mind. Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders: Persistent feelings of panic, fear, and unease Difficulty maintaining control, plagued by obsessive thoughts of past traumas Frequent disturbances from nightmares Compulsive behaviors like excessive handwashing Disrupted sleep patterns Profuse sweating in hands and feet Regular palpitations According to Ayurvedic principles, anxiety reflects an imbalance of Vata in the mano vaha srotas, or the mind channel, often accompanied by the dominance of rajas and tamas—qualities of activity and inertia, respectively. Vata Dosha and the Mind: Aggravated Vata obstructs the natural flow of nerve tissues, leading to fear, anxiety, and a sense of constriction or isolation. Here are 10 Yoga Poses (asanas) for Anxiety: Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) Matsyasana (Fish Pose) Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) Janu Sirsasana (One-Legged Forward Bend) Marjariasana (Cat Stretch) Paschimottanasana (Two-Legged Forward Bend) Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend) Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward-Facing Dog) Sirsasana (Headstand) Shavasana (Corpse Pose)