The practice of yoga postures and breathing techniques has many health benefits especially when using a specific programme designed by experts to pinpoint certain conditions. For example, a class focusing on recuperative postures and inversions is very useful for insomnia or sleep disorders. Energetic classes with lots of standing postures and sun salutations are good for increasing energy levels, promoting healthy circulation and all general aspects of mobilising the joints and muscles. Standings and twists are an excellent way to improve back pain and digestive disorders.

For this article, we are focusing on postures and programmes that help with Depression and Anxiety. If we look at the aspects of these two conditions, we can see that they have a physical impact as well as a more obvious mental one. People who are clinically depressed for example, tend to have a slumped posture, collapsed chest, head dropping forward and melancholy look. They also tend to be lethargic and normal everyday activities are difficult to cope with. Depression can be a condition that lasts for a long time and is often not traceable to one particular event although bereavement or tragedy can instigate a depressive period. Doctors will often prescribe anti-depressants to help patients cope with the ordinary day-to-day. Those who suffer from anxiety on the other hand can often be more hyper-active. It can cause in sufferers breathing problems, digestive disorders, heart palpitations and even nausea. They may be susceptible to recurring bouts of anxiety unless they can change the way they approach future stressful situations. Depression and anxiety are also conditions that are linked and very often the one can lead to or be accompanied by the other.

Both conditions can benefit and even be prevented through the use of a regular and focussed yoga practice. But be warned; those suffering from any serious depressive or anxiety disorder should first of all consult their medical practitioner before embarking on any yoga practice and second of all should ensure their teacher is qualified and experienced enough to provide a suitable programme for them. And of course, whatever you choose to do to help with your symptoms, it should be supportive and not something which adds to your already stressful situation.

Depression and anxiety needs to be looked at slightly differently. For example, a typical programme of yoga for depression would include gentle chest opening postures, postures to mobilise the upper body and shoulders, energising postures such as sun salutations, standing postures, inversions, back-bends and twists. Anything to enhance good posture, to lift the heart and gently open and stretch the body is beneficial. This will create optimism and enthusiasm and the student will walk away from the class with renewed energy and vigour to copy with their life. For anxiety, more focus should be centred on calming postures such as recuperative and forward bends and breathing techniques (pranayama). For certain conditions, back bends and inversions are also a good way to dispel fear and promote courage and mental strength.

Whatever class you choose, listen to your body and anything that enhances your mood or makes you feel good – go with it! Anything that makes you feel worse, talk to your teacher as often feelings and emotions can rise to the surface to be released, or it may be that the particular programme you are following is not for you at that time. And of course, simply getting out and meeting other people, practising together and enjoying people’s company is a very positive and nurturing action in itself.

For more information on qualified yoga teachers please visit www.bwy.org.uk or www.iyengaryoga.org.uk.

Jean (not her real name) lost her husband suddenly when he died in a car crash only minutes from their home. With two small children and a mortgage to pay off, Jean needed to get back to working full time only two weeks after the funeral. Friends and family were in awe of how much calm and grace she displayed in the face of the grief and loss she felt on a daily basis. When asked how she was coping with the grief and the additional stress in her life she thought of her yoga/breath practice.

Every morning, in the quiet moments she had before her children woke up Jean would roll out her yoga mat and come into child’s pose where she would begin to sob until it was time to get ready for work. The safety she felt within the boundaries of the mat allowed her to be with those uncomfortable feelings so she could allow her grief, even if only for a short time daily. Eventually her practice shifted and changed allowing her to tap into an underlying stream of joy. Even when the circumstances of her life didn’t allow her feelings her yoga mat did.

A yoga mat is a rectangular piece of material that provides cushioning and traction ideal for the movement possible in practicing yoga postures. Symbolically, a yoga mat holds boundaries for a safe practice. It creates space for us to allow ourselves to make the time to take care of ourselves and give ourselves what we need in the moment. In order to enjoy the many benefits of a simple yoga/breath practice you don’t need anything but the willingness to start. However, having your own yoga mat reflects your commitment to a consistent practice. When you purchase a yoga mat you are in effect saying I want to continue to practice, to give myself this gift.

If you’re still on the fence about making the commitment to buy a yoga mat you’re not alone. Many people have scary ideas about what is required of them to practice yoga. They may have seen a picture of someone in a pose and thought, “my body won’t/can’t do that!” Or they may have an injury and are afraid they will get hurt again. What I have found with my yoga students and clients is that yoga is really for every body.

Yoga doesn’t require any special skills or even a flexible, fit body, although you will increase your flexibility, open your mind and become less judgmental. The top priority in yoga is compassionate presence and the ability to breathe. If you are reading this you are able to practice yoga. That doesn’t mean you will be able to do every pose or maybe even any poses. Poses are only one part of what yoga truly is.

Once you have made a decision to purchase a yoga mat, you should consider quality, comfort and cost. Your yoga mat should be of good quality so that it can last. Yoga is a life long practice and you are never too old to practice.

In order to feel safe and feel the full benefit of your practice you need to be comfortable. If you have issues with your knees especially, you may need a thicker mat for more cushion. Also if you are tall consider buying a longer than average mat. Every body is different, find a mat that fits you.

You may be more comfortable with a mat that is lightweight so that you can easily carry it to class or travel with it. Your mat should be sticky so that you don’t slip and can securely move from posture to posture.

Yoga mats generally are made from rubber, plant fibers or plastics. Consider what material you feel most comfortable with for you and the planet.

The cost of a good mat ranges from $25 to over $100. Yoga mats are easy to find. You can buy them at drugstores, sporting goods stores, yoga studios and online.

Our bodies house our emotions and our spirit. A consistent yoga/breath practice can help us take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. When we step onto our yoga mat, we begin to create a home that is safe and accepting so we can let go of all the stress, tap into the joy and begin to thrive. It’s easy to find a quality, comfortable and affordable yoga mat. The hard part is making the commitment to practice consistently. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get all the encouragement and support you need to follow through so you can begin enjoying the benefits.

Now you are ready to choose your yoga mat and feel good about your commitment to taking care of yourself, both body and soul, through a consistent yoga/breath practice.

Awareness Counseling is a private practice that specializes in helping adults and families struggling with anxiety and depression using traditional therapy and mind/body methods that are intentionally designed to bring your life into balance. The result is more joy, freedom and enthusiasm for life. The founder, Elle Garfield, ACSW uses an effective combination of methods including cognitive/ behavioral, experiential, mindfulness, bibliotherapy, and Life Force yoga to help clients gain freedom from fear.
For more information go to http://www.Awareness-counseling-mi.com or Call Elle Garfield at 248-961-4081 or email egilgallon@aol.com today.

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