Struggling With Pandemic Anxiety? Yoga and Meditation Can Help

With everything that’s currently going on in the world, it is likely that our stress levels may be heightened. For some people, the uncertainty of this time causes a lot of anxiety. It’s important to give yourself a rest and practice healthy ways of de-stressing as we learn how to deal with new normal every day. That is where yoga and meditation can help.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, the purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness, and harmony in the mind and body. Yoga allows the body to stretch and utilize muscles that would not typically get used in a standard gym workout or a run. But, aside from the physical benefits, yoga also gives you the opportunity to focus on your breathing and allows you to manage your stress levels.

Yoga practices are known for giving people a sense of calm and clarity. Sometimes our biggest enemy is our own mind, so to give yourself some time to relax your mind and focus on yourself. It is doing more good for your body than you know.

Meditation and yoga are oftentimes associated under the same umbrella. While both activities encourage mindfulness and relaxation, yoga can get intense and serve as a workout depending on the level. Meditation, however, is effortless and can be practiced everywhere.

Many times when we are in a stressful situation, we get anxious and do not give our minds a chance to think logically. Meditation supports our emotional well-being by eliminating the information overload that we all experience daily. Meditation allows you to:

Strengthen your ability to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way
Focus on the present moment
Reduce your negative emotions. In with the positive and out with the negative!
Increase your patience and build up a tolerance for your anxiousness

The coronavirus pandemic had changed the ways of the world, but one thing that should not change is caring about your body and your mind. Staying physically active is important to stay in shape, but exercising your mind is just as important! Take the extra time at home to practice yoga and meditate and develop a healthy mind and body. You will be more prepared to face any challenges ahead.