Take a deep breath and say, Yoga-ah…Britain’s Big Society enourages new ways to beat stress

Aug. 11, 2010 - PRLog -- In today's self-responsible Big Society, what can individuals do to reduce the harmful impact of chronic stress & depression? Research shows that those who practice Yoga can reduce the overall damaging effects on their physical & mental health.

Yoga is rapidly gaining mainstream acceptance amongst the medical profession, who increasingly recommend Yoga sessions for their patients. Authorities such as the prestigious Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, suggest: “Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health and emotional problems. Yoga can be an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety.”

Michelle Cross, Director of Yoga Relax (http://www.yogarelax.co.uk) with almost 20 years experience in the health & fitness industry, believes Yoga can help to strengthen the mind & body against the harmful damage stress causes. “To the un-initiated, Yoga might seem to be about lifting your legs behind your ears and light-years away from helping people cope with their mounting stress. But thankfully, it’s a view that’s becoming out-dated as more people learn about Yoga and find it’s a very accessible and effective form of stress relief.”

Many people go through times when they feel that they can’t cope with what’s happening in their lives. A degree of strain, anxiety or tension is inevitable in everyday life but if a person lacks suitable coping mechanisms, then chronic stress and depression become very real possibilities. Now the medical profession and the public are becoming aware of the potential of Yoga, more people from all backgrounds are taking to their Yoga mat.

Originating from Ancient Indian philosophy, Yoga works, as with modern cognitive behavioural therapy on managing negative thought patterns, as well as concentrating on improving posture, breathing, and muscle tone. Learning to control one’s mind, leading it away from repetitive, negative thoughts is an important part of the process. Working on techniques to create a sense of utter relaxation and calm reinforces this mental progression.

“It’s a structured process: we’ve got to unlearn the way we breathe, change the way we hold ourselves, and review the way we let our thoughts dominate our consciousness and actions. But once we’re on the path, the results are incredible!”

Michelle speaks from personal knowledge; for her, Yoga changed her life for the better. “before I took up Yoga, I was… After starting to practice and teach Yoga, I’ve found myself better able to deal with what life throws at me, and I’ve learnt so much more about me and my place in my world.”

“And it’s not just me. I know it works because my clients continue to tell me so. Many of them work within the highly pressurised world of media & communications which is notorious for its long hours and high demands. Learning techniques such as Yoga Nidra, and correct breathing has allowed them to truly relax and feel more capable.”

Newcomers to Yoga are often confused by the range of options available to them: “There are different but very accessible ways to practise Yoga and meditation,” explains Michelle. “You can stay at home and listen to an instructional soundtrack, have one-to-one sessions with a teacher, attend weekly classes or go on retreats where you can break away from routine to spend much needed time on healing & recovery.

“Each experience will help to teach a person how to breath deeply, re-align their tense muscles, and to develop positive thought patterns. Of course, any time with a trained instructor will give you the best support and encouragement you can have.”

Thousands of people practise Yoga in the UK. Many attend classes but an increasing number now combine their holidays with Yoga. “I know from feedback that the experience of personal instruction in a safe environment, away from the usual home routines is very therapeutic and even cathartic. Personally, I get immense pleasure knowing I’ve helped my clients on their journey to good health and relaxation.”

So, judging by the latest trends, Cameron’s Britain will be as likely to reach for their Yoga mat and blanket as they are for their anti-depressants. With the drive to reduce NHS costs to meet the deficit crisis, taking personal action to relieve stress should leave everyone smiling.

Michelle will be holding her next Yoga Retreat on 5th-7th November 2010 at Tilton House, East Sussex UK.  Price £275 (before 31.08.10 then £295 thereafter) which includes food, accommodation and all Yoga teaching (suitable for all levels and backgrounds). More information can be found at http://www.yogarelax.co.uk/Retreats.htm

Michelle teaches Flowing Hatha/Sivananda Yoga through classes, retreats (http://www.yogarelax.co.uk/documents/WinterWeekendYogaRet... ), workshops and one-to-one sessions. Her teaching has been described as motivational, intuitive, creative, fun, encouraging & inspiring.

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Yoga Relax

With nearly 20 years’ experience in the health, wellness & fitness industries, Michelle Cross of Yoga Relax (http://www.yogarelax.co.uk) has a passion to help people find their path towards good mental & physical health through Yoga.

Aiming to create inner harmony & balance, uplifting energy & spirit, and rebalancing the whole body to achieve radiant health on all levels, she enjoys promoting a sense of well-being, empowering people to change their life for the better.

MIchelle trained with the International Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Centre. Certified by the Yoga Alliance, she is also qualifed to practice various Complementary Therapies including Reiki & holistic massage.

She prefers a gentle but down-to-earth approach, drawing from extensive experience working with the body & energy. “It's a pleasure to share a practice that has the potential to change your life, as it has mine - I'm inspired by those I teach and I hope to inspire you to find your Yoga."