Yoga to reduce stress has become a very common practice. For those who have yet to try it, it's not uncommon to wonder whether or not it might be right for you. Will it really help you to be fit and healthy? Could it possibly help you to cope with stress?

Before you can decide if yoga to reduce stress is right for you, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor. That way, you'll know if you can dive right in, whether there are certain moves you should avoid, or if it's best for you to choose another practice instead. For most people, there is one form of yoga or another that is perfectly appropriate.

Yoga, itself, is a practice that involves both your body and your mind. It uses certain specific physical poses, controlled patterns of breathing, and either relaxation or meditation techniques. Medical research has shown that it can have a direct positive impact on reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and causing blood pressure to fall.

It helps to teach you to bring your physical and mental being together for greater peace overall. Many people who practice it on a regular basis find themselves feeling less anxious and stressed, they are able to think more clearly and they can relax more effectively.

Hatha yoga is often preferred by those who are seeking to manage the stress in their lives. It is for this reason that it is also one of the most popular forms of the practice. Many beginners appreciate its slower pace and the fact that its poses are often easier to achieve. That said, the type of yoga you choose is a matter of personal preference.

If you're headed to your first hatha yoga class, these – and most other yoga classes – will come with the following components:

• Poses – also known as positions or postures, these are movements that change and hold in order to boost flexibility and strength. They can involve lying on the floor with deep relaxation or pushing your ability to shape and stretch yourself to the limit while standing up.
• Breathing – yoga is a practice that teaches controlled breathing in order to quiet the noise of the mind while gaining control over the body.
• Relaxation and/or meditation – this component is also included in most practices. Relaxation helps you to release tensions you've been holding in your body and mind. Meditation allows you to become more freely aware and mindful of what is happening around you and within you at this precise moment.

Be sure to include other management techniques with yoga to reduce stress successfully and keep it low.