Focus: Yoga for anxiety and depression. Forward bends are great poses for soothing your nervous system. On both a mental and physical level they can leave you feeling calm, peaceful and relaxed. This can be helpful during times when you are experiencing stress and anxiety but potentially less helpful during times when you are feeling depressed. For many people anxiety is often accompanied by feelings of depression. During periods of sadness or melancholy the calming qualities of forward bends can potentially leave you feeling flat or dull instead of tranquil and relaxed. If this is the case it might be beneficial for you to introduce some uplifting energy into your forward bend sequencing. This class aims to find a balanced approach to working with both anxiety and depression. In the class each forward bend is practiced initially with energising chest opening and spinal twists. This more active approach is then then balanced with a supportive version of the pose that lets you soften and relax.

Key Poses: Sirsasana, chair sarvangasana, virasana, janu sirsasana, triang mukhaikapada paschimottanasana, parsva upavista konasana.

Equipment: Mat, chair, bolster, 2 blocks, blankets.

Level: Advanced

Duration: 60 min