Yoga is a great way to both exercise and relax. It can be intensive or gentle, help you maintain a healthy weight, and relieve depression -- overall an effective way to lower your risk for heart disease. Maybe you've always wanted to try it but just haven't gotten to it. Maybe you go to classes but can't seem to find a way to do it comfortably at home. At the Yoga Journal website, you'll find a variety of sequences written out for at-home use -- most take 45 minutes or less. Plus they have video clips of particular poses to help clear up any confusion.
Recent studies have shown that depression can factor in as a cause of heart disease, and vice versa. Yoga is a great way to relieve the symptoms of depression. Here is a sample of the depression relief sequence:
Reclining Bound Angle Pose -- Lay on your back supported by a rolled blanket positioned below and parallel to your spine. Breathe in position for 3 to 5 minutes.
Reclining Big Toe Pose -- Lay flat on your back and hold your raised leg up using a strap. Breathe as you hold each leg up in turn for 1 to 2 minutes.
Downward Facing Dog -- Stretch your calves slowly as you push into your lower back with your hands on the ground, making you look like a triangle. Breathe in this position for 1 to 2 minutes.
Standing Forward Bend -- Let your upper body hang heavy, bent forward at the waist. Let your head and neck fully relax. Breathe in position for 1 to 3 minutes. Roll back up slowly, stacking your spinal vertabrae one on top of the next.
