In today’s existence of constant competition and pressure we have an urge to perform excellently in every avenue of life. We take this up as an obligation to reach to the skies. There is a flipside to this, which leaves us broken and dispirited. Each one of us would have experienced a time in our lives when we feel extremely low. We are heroic by nature and bounce back to normal after sometime. But there are times when this feeling lasts longer, and it becomes our second nature. It takes the form of depression and we see negative everywhere and in everything. But this is only the beginning. Chronic or constant depression leads to weaker immune system, increased anxiety levels, poor skin, blood pressure problems, hormonal imbalance etc.
Incorporating yoga into our lives is an effective way to flush out all the negativity and keep the mind uncluttered and calm. Yoga strengthens the body-mind and prepares it to react effectively against depressive moments in life. Yoga stimulates pressure points which release tension, instilling happiness and optimism in life. All it takes to stay stress-free is one tiny step: Pull yourself together and get started with Yoga. This involves the practice of asanas and pranayamas.
Asanas
Matsyasana (Fish pose): Focuses on the collar bones and armpits. Releases hidden sorrows and boosts up the immune system.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): Combats anxiety, focuses the mind and energizes the body.
Dhanurasana (Bow pose): Deep stretch in the shoulder, chest, upper and lower back muscles. Gives a sense of openness and preparedness to face the negativity of the world.
Marjariasana (Cat pose): Whole body stretch, releases all the pent up tension in lower back and leaves you relaxed.
Sirsasana (Head stand): lets the blood rush into the face. Stimulates pineal and pituitary glands and has a soothing effect on the mind. Relieves stress, depression and insomnia.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Relaxes the nerves and lets the inner soul breathe. This posture leaves you in a state of rejuvenation. It is the perfect way to end a yoga session.
Pranayama
Deep breathing: Just simple long breaths is the key to yoga, helps in building up patience and soothes the nerves.
Kapalbhati (Skull shining breathing): helps in better breathing and removes lethargy and dullness from the brain.
Bhastrika (Bellow Breathing): It has a regenerating and rejuvenating influence upon the whole body and improves memory.
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate nostril breathing): Balances the subtle life energy of the body and the two sides of the brain, calms the mind and increases vitality.
Bhramari Pranayama (humming Bee breathing): It is one of the best breathing exercises to release the mind of anger, agitation, frustration or anxiety.
Once you put some efforts, you will gain faith in this technique and find your life moving in a positive direction. If you find yourself in a constant state of demotivation and negative thoughts, don’t let it weigh you down, for depression has very long lasting and negative impact on one’s mind. Keep your mind and body engaged with the help of Yoga, you will find positive results soon. Ultimately, when one learns to assimilate teachings of yoga and it’s various postures into their life and make it more than just an exercise routine, one’s mind would be at peace and won’t follow the negative thought pattern anymore.
