Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing can have a huge impact on how we experience life. According to statistics, one in six of us will have experienced a common mental health problem in the last week. Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed can have a significant impact on how we see and experience daily life. Sustained periods of stress, anxiety and depression can also affect our physical health, resulting in a series of minor health complaints right through to a worsening of symptoms for long-term chronic health conditions, such as IBS or fibromyalgia.
When we feel well, we are in a better position to cope with whatever life throws at us. On the one hand, accepting and finding ways to deal with the challenges that inevitably arise in life, on the other, opening ourselves up to enjoy the positive opportunities that come our way. Simple yoga practices including yoga postures, breathing practices, relaxation and meditation can help to improve our mental health and bring us back in to a more balanced state.
How do we address the symptoms?
Every individual is different, so there is no “one size fits all” approach. It can be useful to consider what affects our sense of wellbeing. This can help us identify triggers and notice repeating patterns. Once we begin to observe those triggers or patterns, we can look at ways of reducing their impact on our lives, learning to assess situations more clearly and looking at our response to those situations. Over time we might be able to reduce their impact or we may be able to distance ourselves from a particular situation.
Whatever we do, it’s important to take time to consider the best course of action. In practice, we don’t always make the best decisions when we feel don’t feel 100%. Create time to consider all of your options and potential outcomes. Ensuring you’re in the right space mentally, will help you think more clearly about the right outcome for you.
How does yoga help?
Simple yoga practices can be used to help balance the nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety levels, lift low mood and create time for self reflection. Yoga practices tailored to your health will help to bring the body and mind into balance. These might include physical postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama), guided deep relaxation, meditation and techniques from the mindfulness tradition.
This NEW ONLINE VERSION of my Yoga for Stress, Anxiety & Depression Course is suitable for complete beginners along with more experienced yoga students, allowing you to learn simple yoga practices to help manage stress, anxiety and depression in every day life. The course is open to men and women of all ages.
Delivered online, over four consecutive weeks, each class will provide you with further information to help you understand and improve your mental health. At the start of each class, you'll be introduced to the theme for the week. Classes include yoga postures, breath awareness, deep relaxation, meditation and short mindful awareness practices.
Practices are simple and accessible to all, allowing students of all abilities to try a range of different yoga techniques. Teaching is trauma informed. Each session lasts two hours and includes a one and half hour guided yoga class.
During the course, you'll be encouraged to observe the activity of your mind, to help bring greater awareness and clarity to your thoughts. Your learning will be supported by written handouts, along with a guided breath, relaxation and meditation recordings to help you develop a regular home practice.
Upcoming Course Dates
In 2022, the course will run as follows:
SPRING - Date TBC, each class runs from 6:30-8:30pm
If you would like to discuss the course in more detail before booking please get in touch with me on 07443 602108 or by email claire@padmayogahebden.co.uk.
The course costs £60 and must be booked in advance.
Once you've booked your space, you will be asked to complete a Student Registration Form. There is further information about preparing for a class using this link, along with guidance on attending online classes.
Prefer to attend the six week face to face course? Then click here.
Ready to book your space?
Click here to book a space using your debit or credit card.