Yoga for Depression Anxiety Recovery

Yoga Helps Depression Anxiety Recovery

Yoga is scientifically proven to help individuals with depression anxiety.  A recent review of 16 separate studies into the effect of Yoga on depression and sleep disorders, found Yoga had a positive impact on individuals’ symptoms, even when they weren’t taking medications, as well as for people suffering from schizophrenia and ADHD who are taking medication.

In one of the studies, 69 older adults who took weekly Yoga sessions and no medications, saw their depression scores reduced by 40% after 6 months.

Learn More: What Causes Depression Anxiety

A 2004 German study had 24 women, who described themselves as “emotionally distressed”, take two 90 minute Yoga classes weekly for three months.  At the end of the study the women reported improvements in perceived stress, depression, anxiety, energy, fatigue, and well-being. Depression scores improved by 50%, anxiety scores by 30%, and overall well-being scores by 65%.

New Study: Yoga significantly reduces depression for women during PMS. Study.

New Study: Never too old for yoga. Yoga significantly reduced sleep problems, depression and anxiety in older adults. Study.

Yoga is an ancient physical and spiritual exercise from India, dating back before Christ, more than 2,000 years ago.  Yoga became popular in the West starting in the 1980’s, and is now practiced by over 11 million Americans, mainly for the physical exercise benefits Yoga offers.

Yoga’s emphasis on proper breathing is especially helpful for individuals with anxiety who, because of their condition have developed poor breathing, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Learn More:  How Stress Causes Depression Anxiety

Which Yoga for Depression Anxiety

There are many different forms and varieties of Yoga.  Choosing the right Yoga for you, depends on several factors, not least of which is your physical strength and flexibility.  Some forms of Yoga are physically intense, while others are physically gentle, and focus more on breathing.

Ashtenga: The oldest form of yoga, Ashtenga is also known as “power yoga” because it is fast-paced and rigorous.
Vinyasa: Focuses on how breathing affects the mind and body, Vinyasa is based on a series of poses called sun salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. While rigorous, the postures flow together smoothly.
Iyengar: This practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods, which is good for those with injuries or chronic illnesses who want to become more flexible.
Kundalini: Combining rapid, repetitive movements rather than drawn-out poses, Kundalini includes chanting throughout the session. Participants focus on exploring the effects of breathing on their postures.
Bikram: Also known as “hot yoga”, Bikram is preformed in rooms with temperatures of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 32 degrees Celsius. While the heat, and sweating which ensues is helpful for detoxification, Bikram can be potentially hazardous for people with high blood pressure and other medical conditions.
Pranayama: This form of Yoga focuses almost entirely on yogic breathing techniques.
SKY: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga combines Pranayama yogic breathing, postures or asanas, and meditations, and has been found to be especially beneficial for individuals with depression anxiety in one study.

Is Yoga the Best Depression Anxiety Exercise?

While Yoga is scientifically proven to help people with depression anxiety, it does not come without risk, and can be very expensive to practice on a regular basis.  The Huffingtonpost has a list of 10 Yoga Poses you can try at home for free.

New: Study finds yoga more effective than running for fighting depression anxiety. Article.

People do get injured practicing Yoga, especially when they attempt headstands and other difficult poses and positions, and Yoga should be approached with caution. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise routine. Yoga classes can cost anywhere from $10 – $20 per session and can be prohibitively expensive for people on a limited budget.

Learn More:  How to Help Someone with Depression Anxiety

Individuals with anxiety and panic disorder may find it difficult to participate in group yoga classes, and may find it easier to use a yoga dvd at home, until their symptoms diminish enough to allow them to join group yoga classes.

Many other exercises, swimming, walking, jogging, cycling, not just Yoga, will help individuals with depression anxiety reduce their symptoms and aide in their recovery.  Even small amounts of exercise, can make a positive difference in depression anxiety symptoms, and actually help grow brain cells in the part of the brain responsible for mood.

View and Print Our:  Weekly Depression Anxiety Exercise Planner

Exercise is an essential element of depression anxiety recovery.  Exercise has been scientifically proven to create neurogenesis, new brain cells, in the part of the brain responsible for mood.

New:  Doctors are beginning to prescribe yoga for depression anxiety. Article.

Depression anxiety recovery is naturally possible.  Learn about our diet, exercise, supplement plans. Get started with our Guide to Depression Anxiety Recovery.

More Information:
Depression Anxiety Diet
Depression Anxiety Recipes
Depression Anxiety Exercises
Depression Anxiety Supplement Plan
Best Supplements for Depression Anxiety

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