Like a caterpillar that lives inside an apple gnawing it, so anxiety "eats" us from the inside : it has become almost a tenant in ourselves that we take for granted, an inevitable consequence of our lifestyle, the duty we pay to current socio-economic system.
The feeling of being perpetually backward and fumbling in the storm of everyday life, the impression that the future is gloomy, full of worries and new problems: here it is the obscure basket of which the anxious, who does not nourish, but consumes in terms of food of health and well-being.
Is it possible to emancipate from this oppressive yoke? Although difficult, we believe that yoga can give a great hand ...
Asana dispels anxiety
Yoga is a discipline recommended now also by Western doctors in case of anxiety (provided it is not at pathological levels) and, precisely for this reason, its spread is becoming exponential in the temple structures of this malaise, such as offices or schools ( especially in the USA).
The practice is extremely beneficial for this purpose and the skilfully combined repertoire of asanas, breathing techniques and concentration exercises contributes to easing states of tension.
Precisely for this reason, more than one or the other position, it is the lesson as a whole to act profitably, it is the loyalty to the course that will give you results, it is the skill of the teacher who, at least for an hour, will make you loose the most tenacious anxious states.
However, we want to give you some advice in case you want some yogic inspiration to develop at home or some position to become attached to and make yours when you feel the anxiety mount inside you.
Asana for beginners: first steps in yoga
Forward bends: it is believed that all forward bends give a sense of immediate relaxation, both physically and mentally. So let's go to uttanasana (bending forward in feet), trikonasana (position of the triangle), paschimottanasana (position of the clamp). Perform them gradually and gently, even helping you with supports such as blocks or walls:
Savasana (position of the corpse): apparently a "non position" appears so banal, in reality it is one of the most difficult asanas because it is really rare to be able to reach the state of full and total relaxation. This posture is particularly indicated in the evening, even under the covers, to abandon oneself after an intense day and let go of all tension.
We advise you to accompany her with a voice that guides you in relaxation or in a calming visualization or in a meditation. You can easily find them on youtube or rely on some apps. Thus the experience of relaxation will be more authentic and profound and it will be easier for you to immerse yourself in it totally.
Breathing: very often the exercises of pranayama (breath control) are little practiced or at least they are not given the importance they deserve. Indeed, it would be desirable to learn them under the guidance of a teacher especially if one is intrigued by the more advanced ones.
Remaining on the simple, we remind you that the simple observation of breath is the basis of many meditation techniques because of its relaxing and pacifying power. Each yoga class starts from this simple practice to facilitate hooking into it, especially if you sit on the mat swollen with worries or agitated by thoughts.
Experience it yourself: sit on the bed, on the carpet and try to close your eyes by focusing your attention solely on the airflow that enters and exits the nose ... Inhale, exhale ...
