[Standup2me]

Who does yoga?
How often?
What type?
Does it help you?
How?
Please share your stories

[Gs550]

I've been doing yoga for probably 6 or 8 years now. I most often do it before bed but sometimes first thing in the morning, too. I find that it helps me sleep, it gives me time to practice mindfulness (if you're into DBT), and it really helps me feel better both physically and mentally. If you're anxious, for example, it can really calm you down.

I subscribe to the YouTube channel "Yoga with Adrienne" which I'd definitely recommend. She has a lot of resources for beginners like simple sequences, or if you're having trouble with a particular pose she has short videos breaking down different poses in detail. She also has a lot of practices for specific problems - yoga for runners, yoga for weight loss, yoga for anxiety, yoga for focus.

I try to do yoga 5 days a week. I definitely feel the difference if I don't. I'd say give it a try. Any physical activity is proven to be helpful dealing with this illness. Yoga has the added bonus of breathing and (if you're into it) affirmations that can help even more.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I suck at yoga and it just frustrates me more lol. I am NOT the most limber person. I know with time people get better but how much time?! I remember my senior year of Highschool we had a yoga class and it was quite comical lol. I just don't have that kind of patience. I've always liked more rugged stuff like weight lifting and kick boxing. I have to sweat.

[Gs550]

Flexibility comes with time. You also have to remember that people's body type influences it too. I'm pretty flexible, but I have very, hmm, meaty legs. Some leg positions I just can't do the full pose, because my thighs are too big.

If you find yoga boring there's always power yoga, a bit faster paced and more strenuous. Gets your heart rate up and is pretty challenging.

[*Laurie*]

I do yoga most days. I've been doing it for many years. It does help to calm me, center me, and reminds me to be aware of my breathing. Plus I like feeling flexible, not stiff.

[token451]

I do it once in a while but it usually frustrates me quite a bit.

[Gs550]

Not sure if you've decided to give yoga a try, but Yoga with Adriene just posted a new video: yoga for mood swings. I'm not sure I totally believe that specific poses are good for mental health (as opposed to the whole practice) but she does try to guide you through some mindfulness, visualizations and affirmations that enhance the practice.

She can be a little goofy at times but I have fun.

[searching4732]

YES. Yes yes yes. I go to a yoga class 3 times a week, it's one of the few things that helps keep me sane. I do Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Flow. I need the more dynamic classes with more physical body movement or my mind wanders too much, but some people find more passive classes like Yin to be really helpful.

I recommend a class if you're just starting out. I have tried doing yoga at home and with youtube videos but I get too distracted and usually end up stopping to go do something else. I need the class to keep me focused. Most yoga centres have beginner classes for those brand new to yoga. I highly recommend.

[JustJace2u]

I do pilates once a week and find that not only does it help build up my core strength, it does also give me some relaxation techniques I can do on my own at home when I am feeling depressed or hypo.