How can yoga help you cope with stress?
Elodie Abadie • 13 septembre 2023
Yoga is effective against stress and anxiety
Stress
is the burden of the modern world. Today's society is focused on performance, competition and perfection, and stress infiltrates and creates devastating effects that are often underestimated.
Stress can ruin your life, disrupt your work and your family and friends, prevent you from enjoying your happiest moments, and sometimes even make you
physically ill.
Your body sends you signals when your stress level reaches a very high level. Such as muscle tension, digestive and gut issues, sleep disorders (insomnia), lack of appetite, migraines, dizziness and fatigue.
It's important to have some time to yourself, to let go of all those tensions and anxieties.
I'm convinced that the best response to almost any situation in life (at least initially) is to
observe. By definition, I can only observe whatever is not me, since I'm the one who's observing. To observe something is to place yourself outside of it: not to identify with it.
Meditation is the best way to observe yourself.
I'm going to share with you a meditation practice accessible to all:
- Sit down in the most comfortable position for you: cross-legged, lying down.... Think of a situation that arouses doubts or discomfort.
- Close your eyes and observe the sensations evoked by this situation. What do they tell you? Do I feel stiff? If my breathing is more restricted, I ask myself: What is suffocating me?
- Find out what you can do in response to this awareness to restore harmony within yourself.
It is then possible to enjoy a more relaxing life, even under pressure, by using simple tools such as meditation and Yoga Dance.
Why is Yoga Dance so liberating?
Yoga dance is a physical activity that alternates times of stamina with quiet moments. This pattern helps reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
The class helps you let go through repetition, work on movement with full body awareness and deep muscle work.
When I want to work on reducing stress, I add Vinyasa yoga poses most suited for stress or anxiety to my choreography. For example, plough pose, standing forward fold, puppy pose...
I invite you to sign up to my online studio to try out my latest choreographies.
What about breath (Pranayama)? This is a great bonus
Welcoming a beginner to a yoga class is about more than just softening the practice or skipping inversions.
It's about building trust, offering an accessible and positive experience, and creating a true first encounter with yoga. Because those first few sessions leave a lasting impression: they can open the door to a regular practice… or close it abruptly if the student doesn’t feel seen, safe, or welcome.
As a teacher, you have the power to create a space that feels both supportive and inspiring. In this article, we explore the key pillars of a well-designed beginner class: mindset, structure, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical tips for teaching with clarity, patience, and kindness.
In the world of yoga, we often believe everything revolves around poses and breathing.
But one essential element is too often overlooked: anatomy. Because behind every movement lies a living, complex, and unique body. Whether you're a passionate practitioner or a teacher in training, understanding the human body changes everything : you practice with awareness, you teach with precision, and above all, you share with compassion.
A yoga session doesn't simply end with the last asana or a "Namaste."
It truly integrates through a very special moment: the final relaxation , also known as Savasana, cool-down, or conscious rest.
This moment is anything but trivial. It is a space of subtle transformation , where the body assimilates, the energy settles, and the mind releases.
And it’s the quality of the guidance that determines the depth of that release.
In the world of wellness and body awareness, yoga and Pilates hold a special place.
Both disciplines are increasingly practiced in studios, fitness centers, and even at home. Yet many people still confuse them or wonder:
Are they the same? Which one should I choose? Can I do both? In this complete guide, we’ll explore: * their differences , * their common ground , * and most importantly, their incredible synergy ✨.
Teaching yoga is not just about guiding asanas or correcting postures. It is about embodying a subtle and powerful role — a form of presence that goes far beyond technical instruction. It’s a personal commitment, an inner posture that is physical, mental, emotional, relational, and ethical. Your teaching posture is what gives meaning to your presence as a teacher. It connects your personal journey to your role as a guide. It cannot be imitated — it is discovered, shaped, and refined over time, through practice, experience, and human connection.
A yoga class is much more than just a sequence of poses. It is a true physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual experience. It should be designed with care, taking into account the needs of your students, your pedagogical intention, the time of day, the level of the group, and even the collective energy. Creating an effective yoga class means guiding a progressive journey — from the body to the breath, from movement to stillness. 🌿 In this article, you'll discover all the steps to build a yoga class that is coherent, fluid, regenerating, and transformative.
🌟 Why Is an Instructor’s Presence Essential?
At Yoga Dance, we believe that movement is an expression of self and a key to well-being. Our mission is to support yoga, dance, and Pilates enthusiasts on their training journey, enabling them to not only enrich their practice but also teach with confidence and professionalism. Whether you are already a teacher or transitioning into a new career, we have designed courses tailored to all levels, combining pedagogy, creativity, and excellence. Today, we invite you to discover our world!
Yoga is a journey of exploration and transformation . It often begins with the discovery of postures (asanas), but over time, it becomes a deeper quest , integrating breathwork, meditation, and philosophy for a more balanced and enriching practice. Whether you are an advanced practitioner or looking to deepen your connection with yoga, this article will guide you in refining every aspect of your practice.
Yoga is much more than just a physical practice—it is a way of life that continuously evolves.
Rooted in an ancient tradition, it adapts to modern advancements in neuroscience, anatomy, and mental well-being. Whether you are a yoga teacher or a dedicated practitioner , continuing education is essential to enhance your skills, refine your teaching methods, and offer a practice that aligns with today’s needs. In this article, we explore various training opportunities, the most recognized certifications, specialized workshops, and the latest trends and research shaping modern yoga.