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Yoga & Anxiety – Practices to Consider

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Adaptation

Overview

In this lesson, we explore yoga practices that may help reduce anxiety symptoms, including breathing techniques, present-moment awareness, and specific asana considerations.

Objective

Become familiar with practices shown to ease anxiety, along with important cautions and individualized approaches.

What You'll Get

You'll get practical tools that can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. For your own practice, you'll learn which breathing patterns calm agitation and which poses ground scattered energy. For teachers and therapists, you'll understand the cautions—when breath practices backfire, why beginners need gentler approaches, and how to encourage students to experiment and claim what works for their unique nervous system.

Questions Answered Here

Please note four cautions when considering supporting students with anxiety.
Describe cautions related to using breathing practices when experiencing anxiety.
Which breathing practices may be helpful in reducing symptoms?
Why does present moment awareness help?
What does research show in regards to yoga philosophy and anxiety symptoms?
How might mantra help?
What cautionary consideration related to asana may apply to students experiencing anxiety?
What are some examples of asana that may help to reduce symptoms?

Cautions

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