People start practicing yoga for many reasons, from becoming more flexible to getting stronger. But at Prana Yoga Studio, we know that yoga is not only a fitness technique or an exercise trend. As we explained in previous articles, yoga was a spiritual practice focused on breathing to cultivate awareness of the inner self and unite mind, body, and spirit many centuries ago.
And even though today it is mainly seen as a physical activity, the truth is that yoga also has a positive impact on our mental health, helping us feel calmer and more relaxed.
The Science of Stillness: How Yoga Calms the Mind
Science has revealed that yoga offers many benefits for the body, but it has also studied its impact on the mind. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Yoga concluded that “the incorporation of deliberate, measured movements, conscious breathing, and mindfulness strategies in yoga exercises facilitates the stimulation of the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a state of relaxation”.
“Yoga has taught me to live in the present, let go of the past, and not worry about the future. It has helped me manage stress and embrace a healthier life.” – Elsa, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Gentle Yoga student
Another study published in Frontiers found that regular yoga practice can be an effective way to reduce stress levels, and a controlled trial published in Acta Psychologica concluded that Hatha Yoga reduces stress levels and increases mindfulness after eight weeks of practice.
Yoga Poses for Calm and Relaxation
Yoga helps bring the body and mind back into balance. But for every pose or asana to work, it must be accompanied by conscious, mindful breathing. These are some asanas that can be practiced for several breaths and help feel calm and relaxed:
- Balasana or Child’s Pose. This resting asana gently releases tension in the lower back and the hips, calming the nervous system.
- Viparita Karani or Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose. A restorative pose that provides relaxation while boosting circulation.
- Tadasana or Mountain Pose. A grounding asana that helps us feel centered while relaxing our back and shoulders.
- Savasana or Corpse Pose. For deep relaxation, this asana relaxes the entire body from head to toe, helping to let go of the tension.
Gentle Movement and Mindfulness at Prana Yoga Studio
If you’ve been looking for a natural way to manage your stress and anxiety levels, yoga offers a gentle yet powerful path forward. At Prana Yoga Studio, we provide a calm and welcoming environment, guided by our experienced teachers and with all the equipment you need at no extra cost, so you’ll only need to step on the mat, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner calm.
Ready to experience yoga and feel better? Join us at Prana Yoga Studio in Imperial Valley!
Sources:
Khajuria, A., Kumar, A., Joshi, D., & Kumaran, S. S. (2024). Reducing Stress with Yoga: A Systematic Review Based on Multimodal Biosignals. International Journal of Yoga, 16(3), 156. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_218_23
Zok, A., Matecka, M., Bienkowski, A., & Ciesla, M. (2024). Reduce stress and the risk of burnout by using yoga techniques. Pilot study. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1370399. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1370399
Szaszkó, B., Schmid, R. R., Pomper, U., Maiworm, M., Laiber, S., Tschenett, H., Nater, U. M., & Ansorge, U. (2023). The influence of hatha yoga on stress, anxiety, and suppression: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Psychologica, 241, 104075. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104075