My Secret Weapon Against Anxiety

As someone who has struggled with anxiety since my teenage years, I’ve tried countless strategies aim at managing worried thoughts and reducing panic. When feelings of overwhelm strike, I’d typically turn to avoidance tactics – scrolling endlessly on my phone, binge watching shows, or staying busy to distract my racing mind. But I often still felt restless and on edge.

On a friend’s suggestion, I signed up for a beginner Vinyasa yoga class, mostly in hopes that the physical movement would help burn off my nervous energy. But I discovered so much more than just a solid workout for calming anxiety. The steady focus on breathwork directed my attention inward, helping halt the worried stories swirling in my head. Flowing through postures at my own pace gave me a sense of control. The instructor’s soothing guidance to release tension melted my stress away.

After Savasana, I felt centered, tranquil and fully grounded in my body for the first time in years. The impact lasted long after I rolled up my mat – I handled daily stressors with more patience and equanimity. I began practicing yoga several times per week, using the techniques to press pause on anxiety before it escalates. The combination of breathing, meditation and movement has been the most effective antidote to anxiety I’ve found. Yoga helps me stay present, redirecting my focus away from hypothetical “what ifs” to what I can control in this moment. My mat is now my safe space to prevent worry from taking over!