In today’s world of overbooked schedules, work demands, financial distress, over-stimulation, and unsuccessful attempts at balancing all of life’s many challenges, it’s no wonder that Americans today suffer from unprecedented levels of stress. Chronic stress can lead to other physical and emotional ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, physical pain, digestive problems, and depression. For this reason, finding a way to manage stress and bring balance to our lives is imperative. Though, there are many suggested therapies for alleviating stress, yoga offers a most comprehensive system for a balanced body, mind, and spirit.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a word that literally means “yoke” or “union.” The ultimate goal of yoga is to reach complete tranquility and peacefulness of body, mind, and spirit — helping one relax and manage stress and anxiety. Traditionally, yoga philosophy requires that students achieve this through behavior, diet and meditation. Yoga consists of series of postures, controlled breathing exercises, meditation techniques, and a variety of dietary and spiritual advisements.

Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. For example, Jnana (yoga of knowledge), Bhakti (yoga of love and devotion), Karma (yoga of action and service), and Mantra (yoga of voice and sound) – just to name a few. But Hatha yoga, in particular, is a good choice for stress management. By using a combination of breathing exercises and physical poses, this style of yoga is designed to encourage a calmer mind, along with improved balance, strength, and flexibility.

Read Part 2 – Just Breathe

{Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.}