Anxiety comes in different forms. From a mild worry to not being able to leave the house. Neither is better or worse and theses moments can interchange without warning. I am speaking from experience with this, and through work, dedication and yoga I went from not being able to leave the house to flying to India Solo. This wasn’t overnight mind!
Here I am going to share with you my top tips on dealing and overcoming anxiety using yoga.
No 1: Breath
First and foremost is learning to breath correctly again, because many of us, unfortunately don’t. Either you can watch my youtube video here, or follow the step by step guide below.
1. Sit or lie with your eyes closed
2. Place one hand on the belly and one on the chest
3. Take 3 deep breaths. Inhale through the nose and out through pursed lips. Notice which hand is moving more.
4. Now, Inhale through the nose and into the tummy and out through pursed lips. The hand on the chest will remain still.
5. Practice this for 10 breaths. (1 breath is the Inhale & Exhale)
6. Repeat this exercise as much as possible and with time your breathing pattern will shift.
No 2: Move
Anxiety can be crippling and although a walk may seem like Mount Everest, one step at a time, it is possible. Movement releases chemicals in the brain to help with mood, which has a profound impact on anxiety. Start at home, there are plenty of resources online. You can start with my 20 minute yoga for anxiety class on youtube, with no one watching. This is not a performance, it is just about trying something new in the comfort of your home.
You can Watch here or save it for later by subscribing to my chanel.
No 3: Have a Mantra
In yoga, we use Mantras as opening and closing chants to our practice. They are not used so much in the west, which is a real shame, because they have incredible powers of connection.
However, a mantra does not have to be a chant or a song in sanskrit.
A simple word or sentence that you can repeat in your mind or out loud to use as a reminder will suffice.
Here are some examples.
“Everything is going to be ok” “I am confident” “This too shall pass”
Feel free to pick anything that resonates with you that is positive. (avoid the use of negatives, such as : "I don't want to feel like this" and replace with "I feel good/confident etc")Every time you feel some of those demons coming up, repeat your mantra slowly and for as long as you wish.
So here are MY top tips for overcoming anxiety. I would love to hear how you get on and share any tips that you may use too.
With Love
Lucy x