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In today’s world, stress has become an all too familiar companion as lifestyle factors such as health concerns, financial pressures and the constant demands of modern life all contribute to a pervasive sense of stress and anxiety. Additionally, addiction to social media and the pressure to maintain a perfect online presence exacerbate these feelings, leading many people to experience mood disorders, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Centre, shared, “The alarming rise in suicide rates underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to address these issues. Yoga, an ancient practice that unites the body, mind, and spirit, offers a holistic approach to manage stress and promote mental well-being. Through the integration of physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), postures, and meditation, yoga helps individuals release stress and develop a positive mood.”
According to him, here are some exercises that are particularly effective in reducing stress and enhancing emotional health –
1. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutations):
These dynamic sequences of postures invigorate the body and calm the mind. Sun Salutations energize the body and prepare it for the day ahead, while Moon Salutations cool and relax the body, making them ideal for balancing energy levels and promoting overall health.
2. Shitali Pranayama (Cool Breathing):
This breathing technique involves inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose with the tongue twister rolled out. It cools the body, reduces stress and calms the mind, making it particularly effective in reducing anxiety and anger.
3. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breathing):
This vigorous breath control exercise involves rapid inhalation and exhalation. Bhastrika Pranayama energizes the body, increases oxygen supply to the brain, and helps release pent-up emotions, thereby promoting a positive mood and mental clarity.
4. Currency
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that affect the flow of energy in the body. Practicing specific mudras can increase mental concentration, reduce stress, and promote emotional balance. For example, the Dhyana mudra (meditation gesture) helps calm the mind and improve concentration.
5. Beginning Meditation (Seed Meditation):
Initiation meditation is a meditative practice designed to still and center the mind. By sitting quietly and focusing on the breath, individuals can visualize negative thoughts and energies flowing out through a black circle and positive, powerful thoughts flowing in through a white circle. This visualization technique helps to develop a state of inner peace and stability, relieve mental stress, and promote a positive outlook on life.
Himalayan Siddha Akshar advises, “Incorporating these yoga exercises into a regular routine can provide great relief from the stresses of daily life. Yoga not only addresses the physical manifestations of stress, but also helps develop peace of mind and emotional resilience. Through consistent practice, individuals can develop a greater sense of inner peace and stability, enabling them to face life’s challenges with grace and equanimity. Yoga is a powerful remedy for the stress and tensions that plague modern life.”
By uniting the body, mind, and spirit, yoga helps individuals release physical and emotional tension, promote a positive mood, and enhance overall well-being. When we embrace yoga as a tool for stress management and emotional health, we can promote a more balanced and harmonious existence.
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