Understanding Depression

Depression, simply defined, is when a person suffers a combination of negative feelings: worthlessness, hopelessness or lethargy may coexist with an overall feeling of sadness that lasts for more than two weeks. All people get ‘the blues’ from time to time, but clinical depression is different. Sufferers may begin to feel as if their emotional lives simply cannot improve. This condition is a serious one; many people with depression contemplate or attempt suicide.

The remedies discussed here ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE MEDICAL CARE. These yoga postures work wonders for mild non-clinical depression (lasting a day or two), and sufferers who are under the care of a licensed counselor or physician will also benefit. However, these postures should not be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor.

But…Isn’t Yoga Difficult?

Sure, it can be. Fortunately, you don’t have to be able to twist yourself into various pretzel shapes to reap the benefits of a few simple yoga postures, or asanas. All of the poses described here are suitable for people of any age, weight, or level of physical fitness. Any contraindications are listed with the description of the pose.

The poses described below are very simple; deceptively simple. What brings the benefit are the main principles behind yoga practice: the ABCs:

• Awareness
• Breathing
• Concentration

Awareness benefits you physically and emotionally. As you move into different postures, try to pay attention to how your limbs and muscles react. If you feel pain, of course, you should stop. Awareness is more than just noticing if something hurts, however. As you settle into a posture, take a slow inventory of your body, starting with your feet. How do they feel? Move up through the body, paying close attention to what is happening to each part. When you finish the physical inventory, do a mental one. How do you feel emotionally? Are you tense or relaxed? Do your feelings change as you hold the position?

Breathing is critical to yoga. How you breathe is much more important than your ability to touch your toes to your ear. Each inhalation should expand both the belly and the chest—not only does this maximize the oxygen you receive, but it also helps you relax into each posture. Breathe out naturally, not forcefully. You may have a tendency to hold your breath while moving from one position to another; try to become aware of this, and make sure to keep your breathing consistent.

Concentration is practically a necessity to a good solid yoga practice. Focus attention on correct form, balance and breathing. At times you may also need to concentrate on an external point to maintain balance; cultivating this skill is a wonderful way to keep yourself emotionally balanced, too.