Proper Breathing
- Hatha: this is one of the most popular forms of yoga found in western culture as it refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. It's typically a more introductory style of yoga that definitely has its benefits but likely won't leave you sweating.
- Iyengar: (pronounced "eye-yen-gar") is a very strict form of yoga with a strong attention to detail in the poses that are practiced. In order to help students achieve the correct form and posture in these poses, there is often use of props such as blocks, straps, chairs, and blankets.
- Restorative: this is an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating form of yoga that requires almost no exertion in its passive poses.
- Vinyasa: (pronounced "vin-yah-sah") this form of yoga is similar to Ashtanga in its intensity but focuses more on the smooth flow from pose to pose keeping you constantly moving.
As the many forms of yoga have become more popular in western culture, finding a class near you shouldn't be too difficult. When first starting out, it's best to participate in an in-class setting. This way the instructor can make sure your form is correct to avoid injury.
The best way to start is to check out your local gyms and rec centers, as they typically would offer classes at a lower fee. This would be a great opportunity to try out the different styles of yoga to see what is best suited for you. There are many yoga studios that usually offer beginner classes as well as more advanced sessions. Signing up for regular classes would be a great way to meet new people as well!
If you can't find classes near you or if you don't feel up to practicing in a public setting, there are various DVDs and a lot of apps available as well. This would be a better option only after you've had some in-class training and found a style of yoga that you enjoy, as you want to make sure you have proper form and are executing the poses correctly to avoid injury.
My Personal Experience With Trying Yoga for Depression
In my personal experience, yoga has been a huge asset in helping me cope with my depression. As I began to practice more regularly, I found that the feeling of relaxation and inner balance stayed with me even when I was off the mat.
A lot of my aches and pains disappeared with frequent classes and I've found that the breathing exercises help to ease the stress of daily life. Meditation through yoga has also become a great way for me to gain some control over my thoughts and emotions.
After regular practice, it became a great way for me to escape and even reverse some of the negative feelings that came with my depression.
