With a Little Help from Yoga

Miss Edie Sedgwick practicing her yoga for Vogue

On a daily basis, people are preoccupied with school, work, family or friends. Often, 24 hours doesn't seem like enough time in the day, and sleep, exercise and healthy foods become more of a luxury than a necessity. For some, a lack of finances makes this a constant state of being. These worries accumulate, and the mind becomes overwhelmed and the body becomes weak, making a small situation seem impossible to overcome. This incapability to cope successfully with the day to day matters of life can be overcome through the practice of Yoga, which with the right routine can enable the most anxious individual to relax, or the most depressed person to feel capable and in control. It is not only beneficial for those who feel lost or ill, but for anyone who desires to understand him or herself, and who aims to be the best version of that self. 

Studies show that exercise in general helps to aid in depression and anxiety as it releases endorphins, but yoga is so beneficial in dealing with stress because it is based on relaxation. According to Kenneth Fox, "The factors associated with the process of exercise [which include issues of self esteem and body image, the empowerment that achieving change provides, improved perception of competence, and the social interaction that activity can offer] rather than the physiological adaptions resulting from regular exercise training are primarily responsible for short and long term well being."

This holds true for yoga in certain aspects, as the idea that one is improving in their practice and that one is in control of the situation help to mediate stress, however, yoga also helps to reduce the body's stress response. Yoga combines several stress reducing techniques, such as exercise, relaxation, breathing and meditation.

There are many different types of yoga, but all encompass the principles necessary to reduce stress. The following are the most traditional forms, but these types have been modernized in the last century to create new forms. Hatha yoga is slow-paced and relaxing, based on gentle physical movement. Vinyasa is another form of yoga which is more intense, and means "breath-synchronized movement." Ashtanga is a fast-paced physically demanding type of yoga, which means "eight limbs." It is  based on a set of poses that are practiced in a traditional order. Iyengar is a style of yoga which focuses on body alignment, which moves slowly and involves holding poses for an extended period of time. Kundalini is the form which is most focused on the breath, so this form may be a good start for someone looking to relax, but who does not want to endure a physically demanding class. Bikram yoga is performed in a 95 to 100 degree room, which rids the body of toxins and enables a deeper stretch.

 In addition to the mental benefits of yoga, there are also many physical benefits. Dr. Dean Ornish created a program which shows that heart disease can be reversed through a vegetarian diet, meditation, group support and yoga (Hammond, Meet the Innovators: Dr. Dean Ornish). All of his ideas actually encompass the traditional yoga lifestyle, which includes a vegetarian diet. Yoga also boosts immune function, lowers cholesterol and has possible anti-oxidant effects. The physical health effects of yoga are numerous, and a healthy body is crucial for a healthy mind, as well as a healthy mind is crucial for a healthy body. Because, yoga is so beneficial for both the psychological mind and the physical body, it is an ideal practice for all.

People are often turned away from the benefits of yoga due to the costliness of classes, but yoga does not have to be expensive. All that is truly necessary is an open mind and a willingness to commit to the practice, as its effects are most prominent for those who devote the time and energy. It is ideal to purchase a mat if you would like to practice on your own, but many studios provide them. The best way to learn how to do the poses correctly is from an individual who has been practicing for a long time, and a class is the best place to receive this instruction, however, there are also many DVDs available for purchase, online videos and even meditation CDs to aid in breathing exercises. After you learn the poses, yoga can be practiced in a quiet room or to slow music, preferably without words for best concentration. Yoga may also be practiced outside in the calmness of nature. Wherever yoga is performed, it will be beneficial to your health as long as you practice, and there may be nothing more liberating than discovering yourself on the top of hill, as you breathe in the smells of nature and release the worries of the day.