Many people who regularly don their yoga clothing do so simply as a means of staying in shape. After all, the activity can be superb as a way of toning muscles, burning calories and enhancing flexibility. However, there is another motivation for individuals to get stuck into the discipline.
A considerable number of those who slip into their yoga wear do so predominantly to combat stress. Life these days can be tough and many people find themselves struggling to cope with the pressures they face.
Commenting on the psychological benefits of this ancient exercise system, stress management and yoga expert Subodh Gupta noted that the current economic climate may cause anxiety levels to rise among certain individuals. The author claimed that stress has for the first time become the most common cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK, adding that the Health and Safety Executive estimates the cost of this problem to be around £4 billion a year.
He added: “Stress poses a serious risk to businesses. It can lead to a drop in productivity, increased sickness absence, and more mistakes – which often lead to customer complaints. It is important that not only workplace managers but also each individual should take steps to combat stress, for both his/her own sake, family and business.”
According to Mr Gupta, modern medicine struggles to provide an effective treatment for stress. On the other hand, yoga offers a “holistic approach” and combines several stress management techniques, including breathing and meditation.
The specialist suggested that stress is the “silent killer” and effects many areas of life, including health, energy, work performance and so on.
If the author is correct, putting on their yoga clothing and involved in the discipline could prove much more effective for individuals as a means of reducing anxiety levels than drug-related interventions.