Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: LizzieF on February 15, 2016, 01:22:00 PM

Title: Yoga
Post by: LizzieF on February 15, 2016, 01:22:00 PM
Has anyone had any success with yoga to combat depression/anxiety please?
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: Clovie on February 15, 2016, 01:35:29 PM
I haven't , but I'm interested in other's replies to this. I think I'd like to try it.  :)
Don't know much about yoga, but isn't it supposed to be all about inner peace and calm etc?
So surely this MUST be good for those of us suffering with anxiety/depression during these rollercoaster years?  :great:
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: Galadriel on February 15, 2016, 01:56:33 PM
Yes and yes :)
I go to yoga class once a week. It is my little haven of relaxation. I always sleep like a log on yoga night... we do a relaxation session at the end of the class.
I can only speak for the relief of anxiety with yoga - I haven't been depressed. I still have days when I'm not so great - but I have more good days than bad days. I find that doing certain yoga breathing techniques (at my desk in the office - nobody knows I'm doing them ;)) helps reduce the feelings of anxiety.

I also visit an acupuncturist who specialises in hormonal issues and find this very helpful too. I've no idea how it works, and I don't care either. I'm just interested in whether it works for me or not.

I'm a firm believer in using as many different approaches (physical and mental) as it takes to help myself through this upheaval.

Clovie - go for it. It can't hurt to try. Enjoy a little personal time to yourself.

Galadriel x
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: dahliagirl on February 15, 2016, 02:05:51 PM
I haven't been to a yoga class for a while, but I use what I learned about breathing and relaxation, and what I have learned over the years about posture and alignment from other sources.  I have done yoga/pilates/contemporary dance on and off all my adult life.

I have really had to try hard recently, but it does help with the anxiety.  I need a class  ::)

(Also, try the Superwoman pose as proposed by Amy Cuddy on TED talks - makes you laugh if nothing else  ;D  Adopting an open position has reverse affects on how your body reacts and feels)
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: LizzieF on February 15, 2016, 03:11:09 PM
Thank you all for your thoughts on this. I shall give it a try and let you know how it goes. Nothing to lose and lots to gain!

L x
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: SadLynda on February 15, 2016, 03:21:18 PM
I love my yoga class - been going about a year and a half now, I do relax on 'that' night and look forward to it each week.  As Galadriel says acupuncture can be good too, mine was amazing - sadly I cant afford to go now, or would be there every couple of weeks.

Learning the breathing is invaluable, helped me with panic attacks last year.
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: 20032003 on February 15, 2016, 06:27:43 PM
Yoga is wonderful. Makes you feel relaxed and strong. Unfortunately my yoga instructor is 8 months pregnant and our last class is on Thursday. Then it won't start again until August....
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: Autumn on February 16, 2016, 02:53:42 PM
Yoga can really help ease tension and anxiety away as in the class you only have time to focus on your body movement and breath...I love my yoga class and always feel better afterwards.

Reflexology and Reiki are good for relaxation and calm too. :)
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: LizzieF on February 16, 2016, 03:05:43 PM
Thank you all so much for your replies on this. Am going to try yoga and probably reiki and reflexology too!

L x
Title: Re: Yoga
Post by: Autumn on February 16, 2016, 05:06:02 PM
 :banana: