Yoga for Recovery

This is a beginner-friendly, gentle yoga session that includes mindful movement, breathing techniques, and relaxation techniques.

We aren't trying to fix anyone in this practice, because we don't believe that anyone is broken. Yoga teaches that we are already whole and complete just as we are, it's just that we can get into states that are out of balance due to life circumstances and social conditioning. Yoga for Recovery meets us in the state we're in and gently invites us back into a state of harmony.

These practices directly affect emotional regulation and the cells, tissues, and circuits of the brain and nervous system. They provide gentle and accessible tools for a steady and reliable pathway to recovery. Many of them can be done anywhere and without the use of any equipment.

No prior experience is required, and all bodies are welcome here.

Benefits

• Increases in some brain structures (gray matter volume, density, and cortical thickness) in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. Decreases in other structures (amygdala), which may explain why the yoga practitioner experiences reduced perceived stress.  (Gothe, Hayes, Temali, & Damoiseaux, 2018). 

• Improved connectivity between neural networks in the brain, specifically the Default Mode Network, and areas involved in self-monitoring, and cognitive control (Aalast et al., 2020).

• Reduced perceived stress as well as levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (Vedamurthachar et al., 2006, Saoji, 2016). Many substance users report stress being the reason that they cannot quit, or their reason for relapsing.

• Reduced anxiety, increased general health and wellbeing (Bir S. et al., 2008, Bock et al., 2012). 

• Improved cognition and positive emotions (ie., empathy, compassion, and self-regulation) (Saoji, 2016). 

• Decreased anger, depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure (van der Kolk, 2014).

• Restored functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) (van der Kolk, 2014).

• Improved relationship with one’s body (van der Kolk, 2014).

When and Where is this Located?

This session will take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00am.

Recovery Connections

17 Blue Line Dr. Athens, OH 45701

What does this cost?

This is free and open to anyone in recovery.

What should I bring?

We have a few mats, blankets, and blocks available. If you have your own mat, you are welcome to bring it. You might also like a bottle of water.

Click Here if you'd like to read more about the practice.