Yoga Asanas For Youth To Eliminate Stress And Infuse Confidence And Improve Concentration

(November 18, 2011)

Yoga To Redeuce Stress

The youth in today’s world are faced with a wide variety of choices to make in every field of their endeavor, whether it is sports, education or music. This abundance of choice often makes them feel confused and unsure of themselves as they constantly wonder if they are making the right decisions. Cut-throat competition and the inevitable rat race to reach the pinnacle of one’s chosen field often leads to severe stress. While the adrenaline rush that comes with the race to the top spot is an essential part of competing, the persistence of this kind of pressure over long periods of time can have physical and psychological repercussions. The depression that engulfs the young person who fails to win the coveted prize or the intended objective can have a detrimental effect on the individual’s levels of self confidence. Yoga asanas for youth offer the right blend of physical exercise, relaxing muscle stretches, breathing techniques that rejuvenate the body and the spiritual calm that comes with meditation.

The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is the ideal set of poses for a young person to start the day with as it stimulates the internal organs, and at the same time, makes the body supple by flexing all the important muscle groups. While the HastaUtthanasana(Raised Arms Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) focus on stretching the arms and the upper back, the Balasana (ChildPose) allows the person to relax in the seated forward bend with the forehead bent towards the kneesand arms outstretched. This allows for better blood circulation to the head, enabling the person to gather his thoughts and concentrate effectively on tasks.

Stressful schedules, uncertainty about the future, physical changes brought about by growth and hormonal activity and peer pressure are part of the life of every teen growing up in today’s world. Yoga helps them cope with panic situations by teaching them breathing techniques that calm the mind and infuses in them the confidence that they can handle difficult situations.

Submitted by V A on November 18, 2011 at 12:26

How Yoga Helps Relieve Stress

Stress is the sum of several physiological and psychological responses in a human confronted by physical dangers or mental distress. In the face of danger and in stressful mental states, the human brain initiates or speeds up the secretion of various hormones to aid in survival and puts all other non-essential functions on hold temporarily. Stress-related symptoms appear when this emergency response of the body continues over a long period of time. Physical exercise is known to reduce anxiety levels and restore calm to an agitated mind, besides enabling the body to recoup its energy through sound sleep. Yoga has been found particularly helpful in reducing stress because it is a holistic healing practice, involving muscle stretches and relaxation, breathing techniques, and meditation to create an overall sense of well-being.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) where you consciously relax every muscle from your toes to your head is one of the yoga poses used for de-stressing. Even while doing other asanas like Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) the underlying emphasis is on slow breathing and relaxation. Forward bends like Paschimottasana (Seated Forward Bend) not only stretch your muscles but also help to gather your thoughts and focus on your well being. Kapalbhati (Cleansing Breath) with its cycles of exhaling and inhaling while contracting and relaxing the muscles in the lower abdomen, increases the supply of oxygenated blood to the body, energizing it for focused efforts, both mental and physical.

The series of sun salutation poses with lunges, stretches, and forward bends builds stamina and strength even as it relaxes the body. The varied poses and the feel-good factor that comes with the seemingly effortless accomplishment of these poses with adequate practice serve to encourage people to reach out beyond their comfort zone and try new things. Improved blood flow to the brain and better circulation combined with the serenity brought on by the deep breathing pranayama techniques go a long way towards alleviating the symptoms of stress and improving overall health.

Submitted by A V on November 18, 2011 at 12:22