Yoga for anxiety and stress: how to relax your mind and body

Anxiety is a common emotional state that anyone has experienced at least once, especially during high-stress moments. It is a natural reaction of your body, when it perceives a potentially harmful situation.

However, when anxiety signs and symptoms arise frequently, they could lead to more serious physical and mental consequences. For instance, they could cause tachycardia, panic attacks and even depression. It is important to adopt methods to calm anxiety and to learn how to clear your mind of negative thoughts.

Secrets to reduce anxiety naturally

Have you ever thought that your diet could be the key to deal with anxiety and stress?

First of all, you need to have a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables to ensure your body receives fundamental nutrients. Add foods high in tryptophan, which helps synthesize serotonin, which acts as a mood stabilizer; for instance, ananas, salmon, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate and cheese. If you often struggle with stress, you should avoid processed foods and large quantities of coffee and alcohol, which can worsen stress symptoms.

A regular sleep, of at least 7 or 8 hours, is essential to ease anxiety and stress. To improve quality of sleep you should have a sleep routine, which includes going to bed and wake up always at the same time.

Social life plays a key role in dealing with anxiety too. Talking and spending time with others can be a game-changer, when it comes to feeling stressed, because you can compare yourself with others and share what you are experiencing.

Physical activities to reduce stress

Psychophysical well-being starts from a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity. Sport is an effective method to get rid of stress, as it stimulates the production of endorphins and improves mood.

Studies have shown that activities such as pilates, yoga and meditation are the best to ease anxiety.

Benefits of yoga

Practicing yoga is positive both for your body and mind. There are a lot of physical benefits, such as improved posture and breathing, strengthened and toned muscles. Furthermore, yoga can help with digestive problems and stimulate blood circulation.

From a mental point of view, practicing yoga can help with stress and encourage relaxation; by reducing stress hormone, the risk of depression and anxiety, and it also improves quality of sleep. Moreover, it encourages self-confidence and increases self-esteem.

Yoga is an activity, which fosters balance and union of body and mind for holistic well-being. This activity is suitable for everyone regardless of age or physical fitness level.

What do you need for yoga at home?

If you have made up your mind and want to start practicing yoga from home, you can start with 30-minutes sessions and then increase the duration and intensity. There are some accessories that you will surely need for your yoga practice. The first one is the yoga mat, which is fundamental to perform yoga poses with stability. You will also need a meditation cushion and a yoga block, which can be useful both for beginners and experts.

Furthermore, it is important to choose the right clothes. You will need clothes which support movements and are made of transpirable fabric.

You can try BeGood® leggings, which thanks to the double-layer waistband, support your body while you are moving, in addition to shaping your silhouette, stimulating microcirculation and moisturizing your skin. To complete your look, you can choose the Abstract double-face Top with racerback to make your movements easier and to support correct posture.

Otherwise, you can opt for a yoga outfit that wraps around your body without constricting, supporting the muscles, especially in the lower back and abdomen. The leggings extend down to the heel, ideal for practicing yoga without the risk of slipping.

These pieces are made with an innovative yarn, the Dermofibra® Cosmetics, which contains minerals such as silicon, titanium, magnesium and zinc and microspheres of aloe, vitamins A and E, and caffeine. Minerals stimulate microcirculation and reduce excess fluids, ensuring a slimming effect. Aloe moisturizes and nourishes the skin, vitamins A and E make it more elastic and smoother, while caffeine reduces imperfections and cellulite blemishes.

Yoga poses for stress relief

There are many Asanas that can help you relieve stress quickly. Here are some effective anti-stress yoga poses that you can try directly from home:

• Balasana or Child’s Pose: this pose helps with anxiety.
• Savasana or Corpse Pose: it should be maintained for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Vrksasana or Tree Pose: it reduces negative thoughts and worries as it requires a lot of concentration and balance.
• Paschimottanasana or Seated Forward Bend: this is a good pose for stress management. Sit with your legs stretched on the flat ground, inhale and extend your arms straight overhead. Exhale and bend forward to touch your toes.

Integrate yoga in your daily routine and learn how to deal with stress and anxiety effectively, improving your mental and physical well-being. Discover how the right clothes can help you get the maximum benefit from your yoga practice.