Understanding emotional health means paying attention to our overall happiness and well-being. Emotionally health involves maintaining control of thoughts and feelings. People with good emotional health are resilient in challenges, find ways to express creativity, and understand the importance of social connections. They also recognize the power of spirituality and the value of staying positive.
Anxiety is discussed, and how to integrate yoga applications of Eastern/Western views of physical and subtle support. Persistent anxiety interferes with work, concentration or sleep. For some, anxiety can become excessive, and while the person suffering may realize their anxiety is too much,they may have difficulty controlling it and it may negatively affect their life.
We look at some poses that may help Anxiety. Yoga helps to relieve anxiety by inducing the relaxation response. Active asana stimulates the sympathetic nervous system; then, calming poses activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The effect is a moment of quiet healing to the anxious mind. Props can enhance sequencing of poses to heal and balance.
Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Patricia Walden, who leads workshops on anxiety and depression, says, “Quiet poses can be threatening and cause restlessness, so I have [students] do an active practice: Warrior Poses, Sun Salutations, then supported backbends, supine poses, and forward bends.” These poses target the physical manifestations of anxiety: “They have a tight neck and shoulders, and eyes projecting forward in a sympathetic nervous system response.”
