People turn to all kinds of coping methods -- some positive, some negative -- when experiencing grief. Yoga is just one of the positive methods you might use to deal with your emotions, although it may not be the most effective option for everyone. Talking to your doctor about both beginning an exercise routine and the feelings you may be experiencing during this difficult time will be helpful.
Physical and Emotional Outlet
When you lose someone close to you, grief tends to manifest itself in physical and emotional ways. Grieving people often lose their appetites, have trouble sleeping and may turn to destructive coping methods such as substance abuse. Depression resulting from a loss may also cause you to stop exercising or taking good care of yourself. According to Phil Catalfo in the Yoga Journal article, "The Longest Goodbye," yoga can address some of the physical symptoms of grief as well as provide a healing emotional outlet.
Getting Through It
Coping with the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming and impossible to overcome at times. A similar feeling occurs in yoga when you hold a pose for a long time -- you may feel as though you cannot possibly hold that pose any longer. Using your breathing to help get you through a yoga pose can help you realize that you can get through your grief as well, Catalfo says.
Building Relationships
According to HelpGuide.org, a nonprofit health resource, yoga may help you cope with a divorce or other breakup that does not involve death. Calming and soothing activities are important for self-care after ending a relationship. Yoga may also serve as a new hobby; you may need to fill extra time that used to be spent with your partner, and taking a yoga class can help you use that time wisely and allow you to meet new people.
Additional Help
Although you may find yoga very useful for releasing emotions and finding purpose in a time of grief, it's not necessarily a substitute for other forms of mental health treatment. If you feel depressed for a prolonged period after suffering a loss, talk to your doctor and/or a licensed therapist. Individual therapy, support groups and antidepressant treatments are other avenues for you to cope with your grief. Your doctor or professional therapist is the best one to help you decide which coping methods are best for you.
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