by Gemma Delaney

As we navigate through relentless lockdowns, an increasing number of people feel overwhelmed by anxiety. Fret not, as your yoga mat can become a sanctuary, enabling you to achieve tranquillity. Research indicates that yoga practice not only centers your focus on the present but also contributes to your physical well-being by lowering stress-associated hormones like cortisol and high blood pressure. By increasing relaxing alpha-wave activities in the brain and boosting the peaceful neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), yoga helps create a calming aura amidst the chaos.
For alleviating anxiety, grounding postures of Iyengar Yoga can strengthen your legs and solidify your connection to the Earth, thus promoting stability and soundness. Heart-warming Anusara focuses on emotional robustness, synchronising mind and body harmonically. Likewise, restore vitality with Restorative Yoga, which rejuvenates your nervous system. For those who prefer dynamic yoga practices, Vinyasa provides an easy, tranquilizing session, ensuring that you don’t exhaust yourself.

Create Your Peaceful Nook

To reap the full benefits of yoga, establish an atmosphere that complements the calmness it cultivates. Consider aromatic room sprays or essential oil burners with soothing essences like lavender or neroli. Products like the fleece-mat from Divine Wellness, brimming with dried lavender, can escalate your yin and restorative yoga experiences. Combine this with the comforting beats of your favourite tunes, take a few moments to self-reflect in child’s pose, and assess your physical and mental states. This regular pre-practice check-in is the secret to customising a session that caters to your well-being.

Select Your Asana

Generically, forward bends relax your mind and release spinal tension, imparting security as they protect the vulnerable frontal body area. Experiment with various poses such as extended child’s pose, sleeping swan, and variations of seated forward folds. Utilising bolsters for support maximises the restorative impacts, and prolonged rest (up to 20 minutes) in these postures augments the benefits further.
Beyond this, heart-opening postures work magically to combat anxiety. Amid anxiety, we often shut ourselves down, falling out of touch with our emotions. Heart-openers, like the reclining butterfly, foster compassion and self-care. Making this pose restorative by resting your spine over a bolster, placing blocks or pillows beneath your head and knees, and an eye pillow over your eyes, and resting up to 20 minutes can be incredibly calming.

Embrace Tranquil Breathing

Regular pranayama sessions fortify your stress-alleviating arsenal. Opt for breathing techniques that extend the out-breath, as this pacifies your stress response. The 7-4-8 breath and ujjayi breathe technique both slow the out-breath, inducing calmness.
Wind up your practice with the iconic savasana pose, integrating your yoga experience and transitioning you serenely into the remainder of your day, without losing the good vibes and benefits collected on the mat. Aim for at least seven minutes in this tranquil pose.
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