Yoga for anxiety relief brings your attention to movement, body position, and breathing. Strengthening poses and stretches give you something specific to focus on: your muscles as they work and the sensations in your body.
Exercises in this 45-minute class include “Warrior 2 Pose”, “Open Equestrian Pose” and “Pigeon Pose 2”. In Warrior poses, you'll engage your leg muscles and work on core stability. Towards the end of the class, you'll practice the breathing technique “Alternate Nostril Breathing Pranayama”. You'll finish with a rest lying down.
Set aside other tasks for the duration of the class and try to focus on movement and breathing.
Choose a level of effort and a breathing pattern that don't increase your anxiety, and don't force yourself to hold a pose for a long time. If anxiety interferes with everyday life, seek professional help.
