FINDING CALM IN THE CHAOS: HOW YOGA CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS
When you’re living with MS, you’re constantly reminded of the importance of managing stress and anxiety. It’s easy to understand the emphasis on stress reduction because stress can exacerbate your symptoms, thus making it harder to cope with the daily challenges of living with MS. In theory, stress reduction is great advice but MS can be stressful on its own without considering all the intricacies of daily life.
If we’re being honest, reducing stress and anxiety is easier said than done. It’s like being told to “just relax” without being given any concrete tools or strategies to make it happen. This is where yoga comes into play. Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical movement (asana), breath-work (pranayama), and meditation to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase feelings of calmness. Incorporating yoga into your routine can assist you with learning how to manage stress and anxiety in an effective and sustainable way.
I’m sure you are wondering, “How does yoga work so well for reducing stress and anxiety?”
Here are just a few reasons:
Encourages physical movement: The physical practice of yoga can help reduce muscle tension, lower the stress hormone (cortisol) and release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters.
Breathwork: Yoga’s focus on breathwork (pranayama) can help slow down your heart rate and calm your nervous system.
Meditation: Yoga’s meditation techniques can help promote grounding, navigate your thoughts and reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
Practical Tips for Starting a Yoga Practice with MS
While it’s true that yoga can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to it, there are many ways to modify practices to make them accessible and enjoyable for people living with MS. Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Try a gentle or restorative yoga class: Look for classes that focus on gentle movements, encourage the use of props, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Examples can include restorative yoga or yoga nidra.
Start slow and meet yourself where you are on the mat: Begin with short practices (5-15 minutes). As you become more comfortable, you can gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques and longer sessions.
Props are your friend!: Yoga props like chairs, blocks, straps, and blankets can help you modify poses and make them more accessible with limited effort. You can even practice yoga in bed!
Practice at home: If you’re unable to attend a studio class, consider practicing yoga at home using online resources or videos.
Listen to your body: Remember to listen to your body! Go at the pace that feels comfortable to you. You always have choices on the mat! Be sure to take regular breaks to rest and recover as needed.
Living with MS can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Incorporating yoga into your routine can assist with learning how to manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way. Whether you choose to find a yoga class or practice at home, you can start exploring the many benefits that yoga has to offer today. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you!
