We have long known about the numerous benefits of Yoga on our body and any ailment that we may have. Yoga promotes a ‘healing from within’ mentality, it helps people heal themselves through their body. Another benefit that yoga has is on mental health. Harvard Health Publishing explains that yoga emphasizes on breathing practice and meditation, both of which are things that have been shown to have great effect on your mental health, whether it is depression or anxiety. They further explain how yoga helps your brain develop several new connections and even alter the structure of your brain. You will notice better cognitive skills like learning and remembering things. These areas of your brain are said to shrink with age, but studies have shown that there was less shrinkage in the brains of people who did yoga. How Does Yoga Help Anxiety? Some studies have looked into how yoga affects our brains and bodies when we're feeling anxious. An older study from 2005, published in British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that yoga might help with different kinds of anxiety, like feeling nervous before an exam or having obsessive thoughts. While we need more research to fully understand the connection, these studies suggest that yoga's combination of movement and meditation could be a helpful tool. It's like training your brain to relax, even when things feel chaotic. Yoga Poses That Relieve Anxiety When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can make you feel anxious. Yoga helps lower these stress hormones, calming your nervous system. By focusing on your breath, you slow down your heart rate and breathing, which can ease anxiety symptoms. Here are some poses you must try. SukhasanaSit comfortably with crossed legs, keeping your back straight. This pose helps you focus on your breath and align your spine. It's great for calming the mind and preparing for meditation. Just sit and breathe, feeling your body relax and your thoughts settle down. Upward-Facing Dog Lie on your stomach, push up with your hands, and lift your chest. This opens up your chest and allows for deeper breathing. It helps to release tension in your back and shoulders. Think of it as opening your heart and lungs, letting in fresh air and positive energy. Downward-Facing Dog Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up. This inverted pose calms your mind and stretches your whole body. It's great for relieving stress and fatigue. Feel your body lengthening and your mind quieting as you hold this pose. Forward Bend Stand tall, then bend forward from your hips. This pose stretches the back of your legs and calms your mind. It's a gentle way to release tension and find inner peace. Let your head hang loose and feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Child’s Pose Kneel down and fold forward, resting your forehead on the ground. This is a relaxing pose that helps relieve stress. It's like giving yourself a gentle hug, allowing your body to rest and recover. It allows your body to relax deeply. Savasana (Corpse Pose) Lie flat on your back, with your arms and legs relaxed. This pose calms your nervous system and promotes deep relaxation. It's the final pose in yoga, allowing your body and mind to completely rest. Just breathe and let go of any tension.