Yoga and Anxiety: Finding Calm Through Ancient Wisdom
The Ancient Roots of Modern Calm
Yoga is much more than a series of physical postures. Rooted in centuries-old teachings, it brings together mind, body, and breath, creating a holistic approach to health. Pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and asanas (postures) are central to yoga's power in calming anxious minds.
Real-life Transformations
Consider the story of Sakshi Sharma, a young marketing executive in Delhi, overwhelmed by job stress and social anxiety. After repeated bouts of insomnia and panic attacks, she started attending local yoga classes focused on breath control and gentle postures.
Simple practices like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Child's Pose (Balasana) became part of her morning routine. Within weeks, she noticed a significant shift—her sleep improved, she began managing workplace stress better, and the haze of anxiety slowly lifted.
Similar experiences have been reported in Mumbai's business hubs, where pressure is relentless. Kuber Tomar, an IT manager, struggled with anxiety-induced migraines.
Turning to yoga, he practiced daily Kapalbhati (skull-shining breath) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) after reading about their benefits for stress relief. 'Yoga taught me not just postures, but how to slow my breath and calm my mind,' he shares.
'Now, the migraines are rare, and anxiety doesn't control my workday.'
Why Does Yoga Help?
Yoga works at multiple levels:
Physical:
It helps release tension stored in muscles, especially those tightened by stress—the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Mental:
The focus on breath and movement acts as a meditative anchor, drawing attention away from racing thoughts and grounding the mind
Emotional:
Regular practice cultivates a sense of empowerment, self-awareness, and acceptance.
Baba Ramdev
, a leading proponent of modern yoga, prescribes specific pranayamas—like Anulom Vilom, Bhastrika, and Kapalbhati—to alleviate anxiety, recommending just five minutes a day to begin seeing results.
He explains, 'By doing these pranayams, the mind becomes calm, irritability gradually reduces, and the body feels relaxed'.
Practical Steps: Poses and Pranayama
Some effective starting points for tackling anxiety include:
Child's Pose (Balasana):
Restores emotional balance by promoting introspection and gentle stretching.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana):
Harmonizes breath with movement and eases tension.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana):
Enhances focus and inner calm, reducing anxious thoughts.
Pranayama:
Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati boost oxygen supply and clear mental fog.
Ancient wisdom and modern advice
Acharya Balkrishna
, an authority on Ayurveda and yoga, frames yoga's gifts beautifully: 'Who will not be delighted to behold the exotic scenery and flora of the barren lands of the Himalayas? Similar is the power of Yoga which beautifies the deserted life and fructifies hope in the shattered hearts. By taking refuge in Yog, the fallow mind will blossom into flowers indeed'.
Another insightful quote from Acharya Balkrishna underscores the journey: 'The benefits of Yog or Pranayam constitute a fact that can be established only from personal experience and regular practice'.
Anxiety is a complex, deeply personal experience, but the ancient wisdom of yoga offers a gentle, proven path to calm. Whether you are a busy professional, student, or homemaker, integrating yoga into your day can gradually transform anxiety into resilience and restlessness into peace.
The journey begins with a single breath, and as the sages remind us, blossoms with regular practice and self-discovery.
For people struggling with anxiety, this philosophy offers a practical and sustainable approach. Instead of only treating symptoms, yoga works to address the root cause, which is often a restless and overactive mind. Through breathwork (pranayama), mindful postures (asanas), and meditation, practitioners learn to slow down their thoughts, creating mental space and emotional resilience.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
18 minutes ago
- Hans India
Top in-demand courses abroad
Studying abroad has always appealed to Indian students—not only for the chance to experience world-class education, but also for the access it provides to international career opportunities. The global job market is changing faster than ever, driven by technological transformation, environmental priorities, healthcare innovation, and new modes of human interaction. For students, this means one thing: choosing a course that's not just academically advanced, but also in high demand. If you're planning your higher education abroad, these fields are leading the way in relevance, salaries, and career growth potential. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a daily reality. From voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to driverless cars and predictive healthcare, AI and ML are reshaping how industries operate. Companies in finance, logistics, and medicine are investing heavily in AI systems, creating an urgent demand for experts who can design, optimise, and manage them. Popular study destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany offer specialised master's programs in AI and ML. Graduates can explore roles like AI Engineer, Machine Learning Specialist, Robotics Researcher, and Data Scientist. With industries relying increasingly on automation and data-driven decisions, professionals in this field are commanding some of the highest global salaries. Data science & analytics Data is now considered the 'new oil' of the economy, but it only has value if it can be interpreted and applied. That's where data scientists and analysts come in. They help organisations predict market trends, improve performance, and enhance customer experiences by turning raw data into actionable insights. Global firms in e-commerce, healthcare, sports, and even government agencies are seeking skilled data professionals. Courses in Data Science abroad typically combine statistics, programming, and domain-specific knowledge, preparing graduates for positions such as Business Analyst, Data Engineer, and Data Visualisation Expert. The flexibility of this skillset means graduates can switch between industries easily. Healthcare & public health Studying healthcare abroad not only provides access to advanced medical technology and research, but also opens doors to working in global health organisations and hospitals. Programs in countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK often include practical internships, enabling students to work directly with healthcare teams. Roles such as Public Health Officer, Healthcare Administrator, Epidemiologist, and Clinical Research Coordinator are critical in building strong health systems worldwide. Cybersecurity As businesses shift online, the risks of cyberattacks, hacking, and data theft have multiplied. Cybersecurity professionals safeguard sensitive information, protect networks, and prevent large-scale breaches. The field is expanding so quickly that job vacancies often outnumber qualified applicants. Studying cybersecurity abroad allows students to train with cutting-edge technology in specialised labs. Certifications and master's programs cover areas such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cryptography. Career paths include Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)—roles that are essential in every modern organisation. UI/UX design The success of any digital product—whether it's a mobile app, website, or wearable device—depends heavily on its user experience. UI/UX designers ensure products are both visually appealing and functional. International courses in UI/UX design teach students how to conduct user research, create wireframes, test usability, and apply design thinking. Graduates can work with tech companies, creative agencies, or start their own consultancies. Roles like UX Designer, Product Designer, and Interaction Designer are in demand as businesses compete to create seamless digital experiences for consumers. Marketing & digital strategy In today's hyper-connected world, marketing has transformed into a tech-savvy, data-driven discipline. Brands need professionals who can blend creativity with analytics to engage audiences across platforms. Courses in Digital Marketing, Consumer Psychology, and Brand Strategy—offered widely in countries like the UK, Canada, and Singapore—equip students with skills in content creation, social media strategy, and market research. Graduates can step into roles such as Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, and Market Analyst, often working with multinational companies or global campaigns. Choosing your path When selecting a course abroad, students should balance their interests with market demand. Fields like AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare are expected to see strong growth over the next decade, while creative and consumer-focused areas like UI/UX Design and Digital Marketing will thrive in parallel with global business trends. A well-chosen course not only boosts employability but also ensures you can adapt to shifting economic landscapes. As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to combine technical expertise with critical thinking and cultural awareness will be the real key to career success. (The author is CMD Western Overseas Study Abroad)
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Swap one refined grain meal with millets, add more seasonal fruits or try having dinner early: On I-day, which ancient food wisdom can work for you?
For hundreds of years, India has carried a rich treasure of food wisdom that was the secret of good health and longevity of our predecessors. Today, as lifestyle illnesses become common, many of these old practices can be adapted so that we can eat clean, eat right and keep chronic illnesses at bay. So what are the dietary practices we can follow? Intermittent Fasting – The Ancient Indian Way Our traditions embraced fasting not as punishment, but as body purification or autophagy, where the cells renew themselves. When you allow the body a break from constant digestion, by eating between 8 am and 6 pm, your system gets time to repair, cleanse and rejuvenate. The body shifts from 'digest mode' to 'clean-up mode', reducing inflammation and improving digestion. Fasting gives your inner machinery rest. In that silence, the body heals itself. Start gently, even a 12-hour gap between dinner and breakfast can do wonders. Sip warm water or herbal infusions during the fasting window to keep your system active yet light. Millets – The Forgotten Grains of India Before polished rice and refined wheat became staples, Indian plates brimmed with millets like jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo and foxtail. These hardy grains grow without excessive water, need no chemical fertilisers and are naturally rich in fibre, minerals and plant-based protein. Millets are light and energy-sustaining. They help stabilise blood sugar, ease digestion and are a boon for those with lifestyle disorders like diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. Bring them back creatively. Ragi dosa for breakfast, jowar roti for lunch, bajra khichdi for dinner. Conscious Snacking – From Processed to Pure Modern snacking often means opening a packet. But in the Indian tradition, a 'snack' was not something fried in a factory. It was something made at home, from whole, natural ingredients. Roasted chana with jaggery, hand-pounded laddoos from nuts and seeds, steamed muthias or fresh fruit with some rock salt are snacks that are nutrient-dense and free of artificial additives. Seasonal & Local Eating – Nature's Own Nutrition Plan Our grandmothers didn't search online for 'superfoods.' They simply ate what the season and soil offered. Summers brought watermelon, cucumbers and buttermilk to cool the body. Monsoons saw warming spices like turmeric and pepper to keep infections away. Winters were celebrated with sesame, jaggery and green leafy vegetables. Seasonal eating ensures you get the nutrients your body naturally needs at that time of the year. It also connects you to local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint. Eating with the Sun Our digestion is linked to the diurnal arc of the sun. When the sun is high, our digestive power is the strongest. Lunch should, therefore, be the largest meal and eaten between 12 and 1:30 pm. Dinner should be light and eaten before sunset. This aligns with the circadian rhythm as this follows the body's natural clock, helping your metabolism and sleep. Ushapan – The Morning Water Ritual Sipping plain warm water on an empty stomach in the morning flushes out toxins, gets the digestive system going and sets you up for the day. Call it a morning cleansing bath for your insides. Add a few soaked fenugreek seeds or tulsi leaves for an extra therapeutic touch. Rasayanas – Rejuvenating Foods Rasayana are foods and herbs meant for longevity and cellular repair. Amla murabba, chyawanprash and ghee-infused turmeric milk are some examples. These are not 'supplements' but deeply nourishing mixes you can make at home. Satvik Simplicity – The Food That Heals You Satvik food is another treasure — pure, fresh, plant-based meals prepared with love. Lightly steamed vegetables with ghee, a whole grain roti, a simple dal with cumin, a fresh salad and a glass of buttermilk make a meal that's gentle on the stomach and calming for the mind. Satvik food avoids heaviness, excess spice and processed ingredients, keeping you light, clear and energised. You don't have to change everything at once. Start with small steps. Swap one refined grain meal with millets, add more seasonal fruits or try having dinner earlier. Over time, these little shifts become part of your life without feeling like a chore. (Dr Mehta is holistic health expert)
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Olympic medallist, sports medicine pioneer Vece Paes passes away at 80
Kolkata: Vece Paes, who passed away early on Thursday, was a rare elite sportsperson who leaves behind his mark also as a highly respected sports medicine specialist. Paes, father of tennis great Leander, had been under treatment at a city hospital since Tuesday owing to complications arising out of long-standing Parkinson's disease and age related issues. He was 80. As per a statement from the hospital, Paes was admitted "with multiorgan dysfunction due to lower respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract infections". Paes was a medical practitioner at this hospital in the 1960s. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata Bengal Hockey Association officials informed that the funeral would be held on Monday, after his brother and daughters arrive from the US. The Goa-born Paes earned his medical degree at the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College in Kolkata, which subsequently became his home. The hockey midfielder achieved the high point of his career when he earned an Olympic bronze at the 1972 Munich Games as a member of the Indian team. The previous year, he was part of the team that won bronze in the Barcelona World Cup. Leander has often said that it was this bronze that motivated him to reach the heights in tennis. The senior Paes, in fact, had a significant role to play in his son's career. He relived the 1972 Olympic moment in 1996 when Leander won a bronze at the Atlanta Games. Incidentally, Paes' former wife and Leander's mother Jennifer is a former captain of the national basketball team. After he quit the game, Vece Paes became a full-time sports medicine specialist. Various organisations like the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Asian Cricket Council, the All India Football Federation and the Indian Olympic Association had involved him as a sports medicine consultant. He had also travelled with the Indian Davis Cup team as the doctor. Apart from that, he had been associated with various clubs and sports bodies from time to time, including East Bengal where he had assisted Bhaichung Bhutia among others. His work towards anti-doping awareness and education has been lauded. Apart from hockey, Paes was passionate about rugby and was also the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002. He also played cricket and football at the divisional level. A multi-faceted personality, Paes leaves behind a legacy in Indian sport that will be forever remembered. Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was among the first to send condolences on his death. "Saddened by the demise of Dr Vece Paes, member of the bronze medal winning team at the 1972 Olympic Games. His contribution to hockey and sports medicine will be remembered," she posted on X. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, former hockey players Ajit Pal Singh, BP Govinda, Viren Rasquinha, tennis ace Sania Mirza were among those who paid their tributes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
