More than ever, we need to learn how to slow down and take a deep breath because stress has become a chronic aspect of life for many.  Stress for long periods of time can wear our bodies out and weaken our immune system causing illness and fatigue. Many health problems are attributed to stress such as heart disease. Yes a little stress can keep us on our toes however in today’s world chronic stress has become more of the norm.

Yoga effects stress by enhancing the body’s natural functions. Certain yoga poses, such as inversions help to stimulate glands in the brain (Pituitary, Pineal). Moving into the ALPHA state is very important. The alpha state is considered the ideal waking state, where we reach the pinnacle of our creative thought process while the body is in a healing cycle. Alpha state is often attained during savasana; final resting pose in yoga practice. Yoga’s smooth, deep, symmetrical breathing, twists, stretches and balancing postures help to enhance the body’s natural functions, keeping the spine, house of the nervous system supple, enhancing flow of fluids in the spine and stimulating glands and circulation of blood and lymph throughout the rest of the body. Muscles are lengthened and toxins are released. Pranayam (breath exercises) and poses such as cat where we roll along the spine with breath can help to flush and clear the lung tissue.

Yoga innately helps us to create balance; to know our bodies, to recognize when we are not balanced both on and off of the mat. On a purely physical level hatha yoga creates strength, flexibility, grace. Part of Yoga’s philosophy is to take the approach of strengthening and healing the body in the process of healing and cleansing the mind. Yoga views the body as having many layers. Asana (physical yoga postures) affect the body but also these deeper layers, en route to creating a whole, balanced self. Hatha yoga practice creates unobstructed energy flow. Through yoga practice we begin to find a sense of wholeness. We become more aware. We create balance in our bodies, in our minds, in our lives.

The following yoga breathing technique can lower your blood pressure, curb stress, and bring balance to both sides of your brain.

The yoga breathing technique is called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and translates to “channel cleaning.” Try this yoga breathing technique out and let the layers of stress and anxiety peel away from your body!

Another great thing about using yoga to chase away the blahs is that it doesn’t take near as much effort to do a yoga routine as it would be to do a workout to a video or drive to a gym. Remember though if you experience more than an occasional bout of the blahs or feel down for more than two weeks at a time then it is advised to always seek professional help. Exercise is great but you don’t want to start any sort of exercise program or do any diet changes without first consulting with your doctor.

People that get depressed frequently have a difficult time disconnecting themselves from their problems. Yoga is a form of meditation in movement and allows you to move your mind away from the depressing thoughts. Yoga’s focus on balance can also help you bring back your mental strength.

Yoga has a clear-cut connection between mind, body, and spirit that no other form of exercise or meditation can attain on its own.  Negative thoughts can keep us from experiencing our vital inner nature.  Doubt, hopelessness, despair, apathy and either sleeping too much or not enough are all signs of depression.  Yoga is designed to bring you closer to your inner self; it then is only natural that it can help with some of the symptoms of depression.

Certain postures can influence your mood and allow depression to end.  One special Asana can’t cure depression or the blahs.  The Asanas assist in increasing your lung capacity allowing more oxygen to reach all the affected parts of your body including your mood.  Asana postures can help depleted energy levels, and sluggishness.  You should ask your Yoga instructor to help you and suggest postures that would best assist you balance your moods.

The practice of yoga calms the nervous system, and allows you to comprehend the link between your mind and emotions. They can both be used to help each other.  As breathing is an important part of Yoga, it can also help you to limit anxiety, calm your thoughts, and help you concentrate on positive energy rather than negative.

Any style of Yoga can help you exile the blahs.  Even though the practice of yoga may not necessarily be physically demanding, you will still find that at the end of each session that you will feel so much better. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine or changes in your diet. And if you are considering starting a yoga routine specifically to treat your depression, then find a teacher who can set up a personal routine just for you. Yoga teachers are usually trained to know which positions are specifically for that purpose.