Practicing Hatha Yoga During A Financial Crisis

Hatha Yoga teachers are suddenly seeing a resurgence of student numbers, within their classes. Many new Yoga students have one common factor, which has driven them to attend classes. In short, the population is experiencing chronic stress.

Local news stories from Boston to Providence, and across the United States, are confirming that the current financial crisis is "sending people over the edge." In the face of stress, Yoga provides solutions that relax the body and calm the mind.

When people chronically worry, they also tend to lose sleep. When this scenario becomes a regular part of daily life, many different health ailments can occur, such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, heart disease, back pain, headaches, panic attacks, and more. Many short-term forms of heart arrhythmia are caused by chronic stress and anxiety attacks.

Emergency rooms are currently filled with people who are stressed out over home foreclosures, financial problems, and the loss their retirement funds. According to some surveys, it is indicated that as many as 75% of the American population is experiencing chronic stress, over the current economy, and personal finances.

Yoga's holistic approach toward total health is seen as an aid toward relieving stress and high levels of anxiety. Every student of Yoga is taught an ancient method, which brings about a state of inner calm. As you probably know, there are many forms of Yoga. Depending upon your age, and fitness level, one method may work better, than the other, for relieving stress.

Movement-based Yoga might be perfect for you, but it might not be the best solution for students with pre-existing joint injuries. Styles like Vinyasa, Power, Flow and Ashtanga, perform much more continuous movement than most Hatha Yoga styles.

However, gentle Vinyasa styles might be a perfect solution for the student who loves movement, but must be very careful about the amount of impact on his or her joints.

Styles, such as - Restorative, Iyengar, and Kripalu, tend to hold their asanas longer. These styles attract students from a wide variety of ages and fitness levels.

There are many more Yoga choices for stress relief, but it is wise to research the style and meet a potential teacher before you make a decision.

When considering Yoga, as a solution for chronic stress, consider the following questions.

1. Is the class, style, and teacher, you are considering, safety oriented?

2. Does the teacher take the time to answer questions?

3. Will you make a real commitment to practice Yoga on a steady basis?

As a student, you have every right to safe instruction within your Yoga classes. You do not have to settle for less than the best possible Yoga teacher. It should also be noted that Yoga has realistic stress management solutions for those students who make a commitment to practice on a steady basis.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications