Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Have you ever heard about practicing yoga mantras for managing anxiety? Can Yoga mantras help us manage anxiety? Anxious thoughts and feelings are prevalent in our fast-paced world. Many struggle with a long to-do list of social and professional obligations. Sometimes, we also struggle with anxious thoughts that arise from memories of traumatic experiences.

 

Practical Application of Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety

As these anxious thoughts and feelings become more and more deeply engraved in our minds and bodies, they perpetuate themselves by being more strongly linked together. Many Yogic techniques exist for quieting the mind, choosing life-affirming thoughts, and resting in stillness.

The repetition of a sacred syllable or mantra is one of these techniques. Gently and firmly, shifting your thinking patterns toward more uplifting and soothing thoughts will help calm your mind, body, and spirit. As your level of anxiety lessens, you will be able to rest and rejuvenate your life force deeply.

 

Affirmation and Mantra

A positive affirmation will reduce anxiety. Traditional Yoga mantras are sacred syllables or Sanskrit words. It is also known in some spiritual traditions as a “mantram.” A mantra is different from a positive affirmation. The very syllables of a mantra vibrate with the essential energy of divinity.

An excellent example of a very well-known mantra is the word “Om.” According to quantum physicists, “Om” actually vibrates with the same frequency as the zero point field, which is the energetic underpinning of creation.

Suppose one has had the experience of receiving an enlivened mantra from an enlightened master. In that case, the mantra will be imbued with the divine grace or shakti of the guru from whom you receive it and the blessings of his or her spiritual lineage.

 

Choosing a Mantra

If you do not have a Yoga mantra given to you by a guru or spiritual teacher, you may wish to choose one that resonates deeply with your spirit and cultural upbringing. There are different mantras from many spiritual traditions.

Some may be acceptable, while others may not be, depending on one’s religious beliefs.  If one experiences feelings of discomfort due to his or her religious beliefs, a positive affirmation in one’s native language is the best solution.

 

Mantra, Affirmation, and Religion

“So Hum” is a Yoga mantra often practiced within ashrams, studios, and Yogic circles, which means, “I am that, that I am.” Repeating So Hum allows you to rest in the divinity within your being.  The affirmation: “I am that, that I am” is also a viable solution to rid anxiety.  Interestingly, the following words (from God to Moses) can also be found in the Torah within Exodus 3:14: “Ehyeh asher ehyeh,” which can be translated as: “I Will Be What I Will Be.”  In many modern-day English-based Christian Bibles, these words can be seen as: “I am that I am” or “I am who I am.”

 

Traditional Hindu Mantra

“Om Namah Shivaya” is another well-known mantra from the Hindu tradition. It means, “I bow to Shiva.” This mantra honors the divine essence of Shiva within one’s being and invokes Shiva’s presence.

You may wish to repeat the mantra you have chosen for some time before meditation or during a japa walk. Repeating the mantra once on your in-breath and once on your out-breath is advised. This way, your breathing will become more profound and more regular, easing anxiety.

 

Conclusion

Never choose a method that causes anxiety.  Everyone has a preference for mantra or positive affirmation.  One of the popular purposes of these two techniques is to release the anxiety that comes with daily life.  If that is your objective, choose a method you can live with.

Some people have strong objections to practicing traditional Yoga mantras.  If that is the case, positive affirmations in your language will effectively help you purge anxiety from the mind and body without compromising your religious beliefs. Lastly, for those of you who are religious, prayer helps relieve anxiety, and the world needs as much help as possible.

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

 

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Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety

By Jenny Park, Gopi Rao, and Rachel Holmes

You are welcome to the methodology of mantras, where timeless wisdom meets modern-day stress management. In this hectic world we live in, anxiety has become a familiar companion for many. The constant pressure from work, relationships, and the never-ending stream of notifications on our phones can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Yoga mantras help you find your inner calm amidst the chaos.

Let’s explore how yoga mantras can be powerful tools for managing anxiety. We’ll delve into what anxiety is and its effects on both the mind and body. And most importantly, we’ll provide you with a curated list of the top yoga mantras specifically designed to alleviate anxious thoughts and promote peace within. It’s time to reclaim your peace of mind and discover the healing power of yoga mantras for managing anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety and its Effects

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest in various ways, such as excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

When anxiety takes hold, it can have profound effects on both the mind and body. Mentally, anxiety can lead to racing thoughts and an overwhelming sense of fear or unease. It can make it difficult to focus or relax, leading to feelings of frustration or helplessness.

Physically, anxiety triggers the body’s stress response system, which releases hormones like cortisol into the bloodstream. This heightened state of arousal can result in muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system.

Furthermore, chronic anxiety has been linked to more severe health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and compromised cognitive function over time.

To effectively manage anxiety and mitigate its negative impact on our well-being, it is essential to develop coping strategies that address both the mind and body. Yoga mantras offer a powerful tool for calming the mind while promoting relaxation in the body – making them an excellent resource for holistically managing anxiety.

 

How Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety Work

Yoga mantras can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. When we experience anxiety, our minds become overwhelmed with racing thoughts, and our bodies may feel tense and restless. Yoga mantras provide a way to redirect our focus and calm the mind.

We can create a sense of inner peace and stillness by repeating positive affirmations or sacred sounds. Mantras have been used for centuries as a form of meditation, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and relieve stress and worry.

The rhythmic repetition of mantras helps to shift our attention away from anxious thoughts, allowing us to enter a state of deep relaxation. As we repeat these soothing phrases or sounds, our breathing becomes deeper and more regulated, activating the body’s natural relaxation response.

In addition to calming the mind, yoga mantras also help to cultivate mindfulness. We become less focused on future worries or past regrets by bringing awareness to the present moment through mantra repetition. This mindfulness practice can increase self-awareness and acceptance of our current state.

When choosing a mantra for anxiety management, it is essential to select words that resonate with you. Some popular options include “I am calm,” “I am at peace,” or even simple Sanskrit chants like “Om” or “So Hum.” Experiment with different mantras until you find one that resonates deeply within you.

Incorporating yoga mantras into your daily routine can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes daily for quiet reflection. Find a comfortable seat in a peaceful environment where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes, take several deep breaths, and repeat your chosen mantra silently in your mind.

Remember that consistency is key when using yoga mantras for anxiety management. Practice regularly and observe how these powerful affirmations gradually transform your relationship with anxiety over time.

 

Top Ten Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety

1. “Om” – The universal mantra, chanting this sacred sound can help create a sense of peace and calmness within.

2. “So Hum” – Repeat this phrase while inhaling and exhaling to connect with the breath and cultivate mindfulness.

3. “I am safe, I am loved” – Affirmations like these can help rewire negative thought patterns and instill feelings of security and self-worth.

4. “Breathing in, I calm my body; breathing out, I smile.” – Focusing on the breath helps bring attention to the present moment, promoting relaxation.

5. “I release what no longer serves me” – Letting go of worries or fears through this mantra can alleviate anxiety by allowing space for positive energy.

6. “Every cell in my body is relaxed and at ease.” – Visualize a state of deep relaxation while repeating this mantra to induce physical tranquility.

7. “I trust in the journey of life” – Cultivate faith in yourself and the universe’s plan for you with this empowering mantra.

8. “My mind is clear, my heart is open” – This mantra encourages mental clarity and emotional vulnerability, reducing anxious thoughts or feelings of isolation.

9. “With every inhale, I invite peace; with every exhale, I release tension.”- Syncing breath with intention supports grounding during moments of unease or stress

10.”I am grateful for each moment”- Gratitude shifts focus from anxiety to appreciation for the present moment’s blessings.

Incorporating these mantras into your yoga practice or daily routine can support managing anxiety by calming the mind and fostering inner strength.

Practicing Yoga Mantras for Managing Anxiety

Incorporating yoga mantras into your daily routine can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. The beauty of mantras is that they can be practiced anywhere, anytime, making it accessible for even the busiest individuals.

Start your day by setting an intention with a mantra. Choose one that resonates with you and helps bring calmness to your mind. Repeat it silently or aloud as you do your morning rituals, such as brushing your teeth or preparing breakfast.

Throughout the day, when anxiety creeps in, take a moment to pause and repeat a mantra that brings you comfort and peace. This simple act of redirecting your thoughts can help break the cycle of anxious thinking and bring you back to the present moment.

Consider incorporating gentle movement into your practice while chanting mantras. Flow through simple yoga poses or engage in mindful walking meditation while reciting your mantra. This combination of physical movement and soothing words can have a profound impact on reducing anxiety levels.

 

Practicing During the Day

Even during mundane tasks like cleaning or cooking, keep repeating uplifting mantras silently in your mind. It serves as both a distraction from anxious thoughts and a way to infuse positive energy into every aspect of daily life.

Remember that consistency is critical when practicing yoga mantras for managing anxiety. Set aside dedicated time each day to fully immerse yourself in this practice. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether five minutes or half an hour.

Integrating yoga mantras into our daily lives allows us to cultivate mindfulness and create space for healing within ourselves. Embrace this powerful tool as part of an overall strategy for managing anxiety alongside other coping techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals.

Incorporate these practices consistently over time, allowing them to become second nature so they may continue providing solace during moments of stress throughout our journey toward greater well-being.

More Tips for Coping with Anxiety

In addition to practicing yoga mantras, several other techniques can help individuals cope with anxiety. Here are some additional tips to consider:

1. Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can activate the body’s relaxation response and reduce feelings of anxiety.

2. Mindfulness Meditation: This practice focuses on the present moment without judgment. It can help calm a racing mind and bring about a sense of peace.

3. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood boosters. Regular exercise can also improve sleep and reduce stress levels.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming nutritious foods can support brain health and stabilize mood swings commonly associated with anxiety.

5. Limit Caffeine Intake: Stimulants like caffeine can increase heart rate and contribute to feelings of restlessness or nervousness.

6. Get Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety symptoms, so it is essential to establish healthy sleep habits for optimal well-being.

7. Seek Support from Loved Ones: Talking openly about your feelings with trusted friends or family can provide comfort and reassurance during challenging times.

Remember, managing anxiety is an ongoing process that requires patience and self-care practices tailored to individual needs.

 

Summary

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, anxiety has become a common issue for many people. However, by incorporating yoga mantras into your daily routine, you can effectively manage and reduce anxiety levels. These powerful phrases have been used for centuries to calm the mind, promote relaxation, and cultivate inner peace.

By understanding the effects of anxiety on both the mind and body, we can better appreciate how yoga mantras play a vital role in managing this condition. The repetitive recitation of positive affirmations helps shift our focus away from negative thoughts and allows us to reconnect with our breath and body.

Throughout this article, we explored ten powerful yoga mantras specifically designed to manage anxiety. From “Om Shanti” to “So Hum,” each mantra carries its unique vibration that promotes tranquility within ourselves. Experiment with different mantras to find the ones that resonate most with you.

It is important to note that practicing these yoga mantras should not be limited to just your yoga mat or meditation cushion. Instead, incorporate them into your everyday life whenever feelings of anxiousness arise. Repeat them silently or out loud during moments of stress or overwhelm throughout the day.

Conclusion

While yoga mantras are an effective tool for managing anxiety, it’s also essential to adopt other strategies for coping with this condition. Regular physical exercise such as yoga, asanas, or brisk walks can significantly reduce stress levels. Additionally, practicing deep breathing exercises like pranayama can help calm an anxious mind.

Remember that everyone’s journey is unique when it comes to managing anxiety. What works for one person may not work for another – so be patient with yourself as you explore different techniques and find what resonates best with you.

Incorporating yoga mantras into your daily life can immensely benefit managing anxiety. Embrace these powerful phrases alongside self-care practices like exercise and deep breathing techniques.

You can reclaim control over your thoughts and emotions by prioritizing mindfulness and nurturing a positive mindset.

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division