Before discussing how yoga can be beneficial to relieving stress, we first need to know what it's all about. Yoga started about 5,000 years ago in India and it has been used to help with both physical and mental ailments. Yoga emphasizes on a spiritual connection between the mind and body, and therefore can have great lasting effects on people with stress and anxiety. Yoga is a general term that includes different features like, breathing techniques, postures, strengthening exercises, and meditation. There are also many different types of yoga with the same general idea, but added benefits to each.
Does it really work?
As a matter of fact, studies have shown that yoga has greatly reduced levels of stress and anxiety and in patients who participated. Within a six-week intervention done on medical students, there was significant improvement in many aspects of their health:
Peace
Focus
Endurance
Happiness
Positivity
Personal satisfaction
Self-confidence
Overall, yoga creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Many who participate regularly also say they have a more optimistic outlook on life.