Yoga for Anxiety: A Practice in Self-Compassion

I am thrilled to be offering a Gentle Yoga for Anxiety class at OCD MN on Tuesdays at 6pm, and wanted to share a little bit of my own yoga journey and how it helps me manage my own anxiety. During my college years, I struggled with persistent anxiety, and it was my therapist that suggested I try a yoga class. I was skeptical at first, and nervous to try something I had never done before, but I realized very quickly that yoga helped calm my racing thoughts and allowed me to find moments of genuine peace. 

I have now been teaching yoga and mindfulness for fifteen years, and I'm eager to share the profound benefits of this practice with you. My hope is to always teach in a mindful, playful, and accessible way. So whether you are brand new to yoga, or a seasoned yogi, you’ll be comfortable in my class. I approach yoga as a way to balance strength and flexibility in the body, to cultivate a quiet(er) mind, and to encourage curiosity and self-compassion. 

In addition to my personal testimony, research has also shown that yoga has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. When it comes to anxiety, yoga can work on multiple levels to provide relief.

How Yoga Can Help Manage Anxiety

1. Deep Breathing and Relaxation:
   Yoga emphasizes deep breathing techniques known as pranayama. These techniques help slow down the heart rate, reduce stress hormones, and promote a sense of calm.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation:
   Yoga encourages mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It also incorporates elements of meditation, allowing you to quiet your mind and reduce anxious thoughts.

3. Physical Exercise:
   The physical aspect of yoga helps release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Exercise also helps reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being.

4. Increased Body Awareness:
   Yoga helps you become more aware of your body and its sensations. This awareness can help you identify and manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shallow breathing and muscle tightness.

5. Community and Support:
   Practicing yoga in a group setting can provide a sense of community and support. Interacting with others in a non-judgmental environment can help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Our first 6 week yoga series will focus specifically on integrating self-compassion practices within each class. Anxiety and OCD often comes with an extremely critical inner voice (I know that mine does!) and so self-compassion is a helpful tool to counter this harsh self-criticism. We’ll also explore breathing techniques, yoga poses, and guided meditations to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. The class also aims to foster a sense of connection and community with fellow yogis who share similar experiences with anxiety. Details and registration below - hope to see you there!

When:

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM

2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25

Commitment and Drop-Ins:

We encourage you to commit to all 6 classes to fully immerse yourself in the practice of self-compassion and experience its profound benefits. However, we also welcome drop-ins for those who prefer a more flexible schedule.

Pricing:

• 6-Class Package: $100

• Drop-In Rate: $20 per class

Where:

3rd Floor Group Room, Suite 326

370 Selby Ave

St. Paul, MN 55102

Instructor:

Halen Bower, a certified yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness. Halen creates a welcoming space for individuals of all experience levels.

Who It's For:

Whether you’re new to yoga or seeking a calming practice to complement your wellness journey, this class is perfect for you!

Important Note:

This is not a therapy or support group and does not replace mental health services.