- Yoga Magazine

Q: Many of my close friends tell me that I am proactive, highly intelligent and a joy to be around. However, I don’t feel that way. In public, I can be the most talkative and sociable person imaginable. Yet when I’m alone, I often struggle with anxiety and depression, which I am slowly working through. I participate in yoga classes, mostly on weekends, and would like to learn how to breathe better, which my teacher is paying close attention to. I have been doing yoga for seven weeks now. Would you agree that breathing can help me?

G. Currie – Dorset

A: Definitely the more yoga you practise, the less your anxiety and depression will become. A significant way to help ease these conditions is also to learn breath exercises, which can aid in shifting the mind to a more peaceful state of being.

Below I have set out one way to help you on your journey. The crucial point to note is that by recognising these feelings, you are already making a change by seeking the right kind of help and support. Meditation practise also helps significantly reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.Another well recognised method is breathing exercises.As a beginner exercise, I would recommend that you start regularly practising deep abdominal breath work, as set our below.

You should experience a shift in your emotional well-being almost immediately. If you continue to practise at least every other day, then you will also feel the physical benefits.

Deep abdominal breathwork

A wonderful way to oxygenate the lungs and refresh the whole body.
Inhale and exhale deeply through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. As you inhale, visualise the breath going down into your stomach, cleansing it and hold for a second. Then, exhale slowly through the nose.

While doing this, visualise negative energy being released. Repeat at least seven times, or longer if you can manage. A round of ten is ideal. This exercise strengthens the stomach region as well as circulates prana through the body. It is a great way to relieve tension, stress, and anxiety, or to boost your energy levels and stamina.