Tense over elections? Stock market problems? World Peace?
Life Force Yoga may be the answer.
Hosted by the Bayonne Medical Center, the program will hold an introductory workshop on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m., part of what will become a weekly workshop for helping people to overcome the anxieties of everyday living.
Held each Thursday, the program will also provide a class after the workshop on the third Thursday of the month to help with stress reduction.
“Our first workshop starts right after the election,” said Batya Swift Yasgur, a social worker who will help participants learn about how to deal with stress. “So a lot of people will be stressed.”
The introductory to Life Force Yoga: Yoga for Mood Management on Nov. 6 will run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The program will continue every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The yoga program is being run by Howard Katz, a certified Vinyasa and Life Force Yoga teacher, who studied with Amy Weintraub and other prominent yoga professionals. The program will include stretching, bending and other physical yoga techniques and postures.
While not as extensive as ordinary yoga, people are encouraged to wear clothing suited for exercise and to bring a mat if possible.
The program will also include breathing techniques, meditations and chanting.
On the third Thursday of each month, Yasgur will hold a discussion to deal with some of the emotions that may come up during the yoga session.
Yasgur said the BMC administration offered to host the program as another means of dealing with the growing anxiety many people face today.
Yoga is seen as an effective way of dealing with anxiety, stress and depression.
The World Health Organization said that more than 121 million people worldwide suffer from some level of depression, and that the illness is considered to be the leading cause of disabilities for people ages 15 to 44.
Yasgur said participants in the program do not need to be in good physical shape. The program is oriented toward a wide group, from beginners to those already experienced with yoga.
Katz said the format is similar to ordinary yoga classes, except that it will have a greater emphasis on breathing and mediation.
“The postures are slower and are designed to have a calming effect,” he said.
Katz said he has been teaching yoga for about five years, and Life Force Yoga in particular for about two years. He currently has two certifications for basic and advance lessons.
“I find it is exceptionally helpful with mood issues,” he said.
Prices for the classes vary starting at $13 for a drop-in session. For more information, contact Allyson Miller at (201) 858-5297.