According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 18% of American adults have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can range from mild to severe, and it can come on at any time in your life. It can prevent you from connecting with friends or feeling comfortable with family.

Yoga as therapy
Yoga therapy is a method of giving individuals the power to improve their health and wellbeing through yoga practice and philosophy. The goal of yoga therapy is to alleviate, decrease, or balance symptoms that cause distress. People with anxiety can change the way they relate to and identify with their condition.

The science behind it
When you practice yoga, you perform controlled breathing, mindfulness, and meditation. Research shows that all of these practices can lower anxiety. You must be mindful of your body and mind throughout a yoga session, and research shows that mindfulness training can help improve anxiety and depression. And those who continue to practice mindfulness are more likely to maintain a positive mood.

Yoga poses for anxiety
Child's pose
Tree pose
Warrior III
Headstand
Legs-up-the-wall pose

Poses that free blocked energy in the hips can help you let go of deep-seated emotions that may be triggering your anxiety. In yoga there is a strong body and mind connection. So everything you experience mentally can have physical results. Hip openers can bring an emotional release that can help you move forward if you're dealing with anxiety.