Yoga Therapy for Stress & Anxiety: Create a Personalized Holistic Plan to Balance Your Life

Beginning by noting the prevalence of complaints about stress in today’s world, YogaLife Institute founder Butera, psychotherapist Byron, and physical therapy professor Elgelid present a well-organized guide to using yoga to deal with this problem. The challenge, they observe, is that most people lead lives seemingly designed to keep them in a state of anxiety. For that reason, their program—referred to as “comprehensive yoga therapy”—is designed to help readers “take action to change anything that disturbs our minds.” It involves a daily routine that includes journaling, mental exercises, and yoga postures. Readers will learn how to rephrase intention, reframe “thought patterns” and “thought awareness,” and create a life where “suffering is optional.” Specific sections of the program address eating habits, workplace stress, and personal relationships. Some of the yoga postures might be challenging for new students, but the authors are understanding and encouraging, giving readers permission to “jump around” and tackle exercises in whatever order works. The commitment required will be substantial, but for stressed-out yoga fans interested in a change for the better, this book could be a valuable beginning. (Sept.)