Anxiety is pretty common and we all suffer from this time and again. It can be described as a state when a person worries about a thing or fears about it even if it does not really exist. Easygoing and mild anxiety is understood and accepted because it is part of human nature to get anxious sometimes. However, if the level of anxiety increases and is not treated in time, it may result in serious health problems.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Have a quick look at the symptoms of anxiety.

• Heartbeat greater than before


• Increased pulse rate


• Perspiration


• Accelerated breathing
 
• Dryness of mouth


• Sweating
 
• Fatigue


• Fainting (in extreme cases)


• Diarrhea


• Phobias

Benefits of Yoga for Anxiety

Yoga is slow breathing exercise technique and is done low paced. This is a complete contrast of what happens during high level anxiety or panic attacks. So, when deep and slow breathing exercise is done at that time it automatically helps calm down the person and lowers his heartbeat. There are hormonal reactions that go on in the blood and that gets neutralized by performing particular yoga asanas.

The gradual supply of oxygen and reduction of speed of blood circulation calms down by firm and powerful self restraint. However, there is medication and psychotherapy available for anxiety, yoga helps the person in the long run. Regular practice of yoga helps in improving the overall health of the person which automatically strengthens his mind and calms down his nerves.

The best thing about performing yoga asanas is that it does not let any negative thought come into one’s mind. If yoga and pranayama is accompanied with meditation, the person finds himself relaxed and normally nothing can upset him easily if he continues to perform these asanas and meditation as well.

Yoga Asanas for Anxiety

Have a quick look at the yoga asanas for coping with anxiety.

• Suryanamaskar


• Pawanmuktasana


• Sarvangasana
 

• Shashankasana
 
• Halasana


• Shavasana


• Pranayama

Practicing yoga asanas and pranayamas on regular basis will help you become mentally, physically and emotionally strong. Not only this, yoga improves your concentration level, relieves different types of pains, reduces tress and several mental disturbances and brings down anxiety level. It reduces the frequency of panic attacks and gradually the person gets rid of it.

Diet

Besides yoga, diet also plays a very important role here. A nutritious meal with complex carbohydrate, high fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables helps a lot. Once you feel mentally and physically strong and energetic, you will gain self confidence and you will be able to take your mind off of unnecessary worries.

Feeling good from within will help you become socially active and engage yourself in more creative activities. This will automatically distract your mind and keep you away from needless worries.

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol or any kind of drugs to bring down the anxiety or depression is the worst thing as this will take you deeper into negative feelings. For the time being you might feel getting away from the depression, but this can even worsen the condition.

However, if the symptoms are of a severe case, it is not advisable to rely solely on yoga asanas. Medication and therapy becomes essential especially when the case is serious. Once this phase passes of, one can introduce yoga asanas in life and perform them regularly for long term relief. The basis of yoga is to change your attitude towards life. Exercise helps you get motivated and inspired from within.