Friday, October 16, 2009

Yoga As A Stress Management Exercise

By Jamie Sue Tan

When it comes to stress and stress management, there are a lot of factors to be considered. Stress can come from work and/or family. They can also come from the financial, emotional, physical, and mental aspects of our everyday lives. While stress is actually beneficial to us at some extent, it leads to our physical and mental breakdowns it left unchecked. For this reason, there are various techniques and methods to help you deal with stress.

Included in these techniques is yoga. Yoga is an age old practice which dates back its origin 5000 years ago. Yoga is a series of postures and breathing exercises which are sometimes referenced from mammals, fish, or reptiles. The ultimate goal of those who practice yoga are to reach complete tranquility of body and mind, helping to relax and manage stress and anxiety. Full classes are offered to those who have the time and willing to undergo the full course which also includes behavioral training, diet regimen, and exercises, but also offers short classes which can help in better managing of stress.

There are a lot of physical and mental benefits that yoga can bring. Physical benefits include increased flexibility, toning of muscles, muscle and joint pain prevention, and better breathing. Mental benefits include calmness, stress reduction, body awareness and total well-being. These meditative practices through yoga help in achieving an emotional balance through detachment; meaning, meditation will help put you into a condition where you are not affected by what is happening around you that might deviate your focus from what you are doing creating a calm and positive outlook.

There are many styles and forms of yoga with varying intensities depending on each individual's time and need. But for stress management Hatha yoga in particular maybe a good choice. This style of yoga is designed to encourage a calmer mind along with improved flexibility. Hatha yoga also have several forms which you can take depending on your preference but know that all forms of Hatha yoga have two basic components which is poses and breathing.

Regardless of the yoga subtype that you choose, it is never necessary to do every pose that is demonstrated. If you feel uncomfortable doing the pose or feel that you can't hold it for as long as required, there's no need to do it. What's important is that you achieve relaxation by doing these exercises. And just as with any treatment, do your homework before undertaking any type of yoga. With research, you'll be able to pick out one that will benefit you greatly and something you will be comfortable with. - 16890

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