Yoga has proven itself the oldest defined and most effective practice of stress management. The methods of Yoga include moral and ethical disciplines (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and meditation (Dhyana). In fact, a number of companies in the West, particularly in the US, are coming to see and believe in the palpable benefits of Yoga. Having seen how relaxed workers are healthier more creative and more productive they are sponsoring Yoga stress management programs for their employees.
Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management

Almost anyone can see physical benefits of practicing Yoga. Besides, there are also a number of psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and a sense of well-being, and spiritual benefits like a feeling of connectedness with God or Spirit, or a feeling of transcendence. Some of the poses can be done anywhere you wish and a Yoga program can go on for hours or minutes, depending on your own schedule. But whether you practise Yoga for spiritual transformation or for stress management and physical well-being, the benefits are numerous. Some of them have been listed below, even though it is only a partial list of Yoga’s benefits:
Allergy and asthma symptom relief
Improvement of many medical conditions
Increased strength and flexibility
Lower blood pressure
Lower heart rate
Reduced anxiety and muscle tension
Reduced stress
Sense of well-being
Slowed aging process
Smoking cessation help
Sound sleep
Spiritual growth

As a matter of fact, Yoga’s benefits are so plentiful, it gives high returns for the amount of time and effort invested. The practice of Yoga involves stretching the body in a series of different poses (asanas), while maintaining slow and controlled breathing. Your body gets relaxed and vitalized at the same time. There are any number of styles of Yoga today, some that involve moving through the poses quite rapidly, almost like an aerobic workout. Other styles are still traditional, more relaxing and take you deeply into each pose. While some have a more spiritual angle, others are done purely as a physical fitness regimen.

Drawbacks of Yoga


Yoga does call for quite a bit of commitment in terms of time and is more difficult for folks with certain physical limitations. Some people tend to feel self-conscious doing some of the poses. Besides, Yoga classes can sometimes turn out to be rather expensive, even though it is possible – albeit perhaps more challenging – to learn the techniques from books or videos.