Will yoga make my anxiety worse? I'm worried I'll panic in class.

I understand the fear. You always have choices: keep your eyes open, sit instead of lying down, leave the room if you need to. Nobody will ask why. If you'd like to talk it through before booking anything, email me first.

I can't sit still or meditate. My mind races constantly. Will this work?

Maybe. I don't ask you to sit in silence with your thoughts. Breathing practice gives your mind a job, and in a gong bath the sound gives you something to listen to. Some people take to it, some don't. The only way to know is to try a class.

How quickly will I feel less anxious?

I can't promise a timetable, and I'd be wary of anyone who does. Some people feel calmer after one class. Others take longer, and some find yoga isn't for them. Try a few classes and see what you notice.

I'm on medication for anxiety. Can I still do yoga?

Yes. Yoga can be used alongside medication. Any dose change belongs with your prescriber.

What if I have a panic attack during class?

You can step out at any point, no explanation needed. I'd rather you looked after yourself than sat through something that isn't helping. I can show you breathing and grounding options. If focusing on your breath makes panic worse, keep your eyes open and use another anchor.

I have social anxiety. Will I be expected to talk or introduce myself?

No. You can arrive, practise, and leave without speaking if that feels safest. There's often friendly chat before class, but it's never required.

Can yoga replace therapy for anxiety?

No. Yoga can support the physical side of anxiety; therapy works on the rest. Many of my students do both. If anxiety is running your life, speak to your GP or a therapist.

Yoga for anxiety | The Yoga Den Wallington

Yoga for anxiety

Gentle classes that work with the physical side of anxiety. Alongside therapy or medication, not instead of them.

Best for

✓Anxiety and constant worry
✓Panic and a racing heart
✓Feeling on edge around other people
✓A tight chest and shallow breathing

What to expect

Slow movement, breathing practice and rest. You'll learn breathing and grounding options you can use outside class, and you always have choices in the room.

1–2 classes per week

Recommended classes

View timetable

Anxiety isn't just in your head

Anxiety isn't just in your head. It's in your chest, your jaw, your stomach.

The racing heart that wakes you at 4am. The tight chest that makes every breath feel like work. The exhaustion of spending all day on high alert.

You've probably been told to "just breathe". If it were that simple, you'd have done it by now.

How the class works

When your body is on high alert, rational reassurance may not be enough on its own. Yoga can support the physical side of anxiety alongside therapy or medication.

Classes are slow. We move gently, practise breathing and spend time resting. You always have choices: keep your eyes open, sit instead of lying down, step outside if you need to. I use invitational language, never commands.

It's a small group in a garden studio, ten people at most. Nobody will ask you to speak, share or explain yourself.

Classes that help

Breathe.Meditate.Relax

Breathing and grounding practice you can take anywhere

·Slow breathing practice, seated or lying down
·Body scan and guided rest
·Options if focusing on your breath doesn't suit you

Yin Yoga

Long, quiet holds for people who never stop

·Supported poses held for a few minutes at a time
·Time to be still without having to perform
·Props everywhere, nothing forced

Gong Bath & Sound Healing

For minds that can't meditate

·Steady sound to rest a busy mind on
·Completely passive, you just lie down
·Leave whenever you need to

Hatha Yoga

Slow, steady movement with no pressure to perform

·Everything modified for your body
·Small classes, ten people at most
·No experience needed

What the research says

1.There is research on yoga and anxiety, but the trials tested specific research programmes, not my classes, so I won't quote their numbers here.
2.What I can tell you is what students say: many leave feeling calmer than when they arrived. That's their experience, not a clinical result.

Yoga complements therapy and medication but doesn't replace it. If anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, speak to your GP or a therapist. For crisis support, contact Samaritans: 116 123.

If you need more than yoga

Yoga helps a lot of people, but it isn't everything. If you need more, here's where I'd point you.

Talk to Luke

Psychodynamic therapy in Wallington

Croydon Talking Therapies

NHS-funded CBT and counselling

Mind in Croydon

Mental health support and crisis resources

Samaritans

116 123, available 24/7 for crisis support

Common questions

Try a class

If you're worried about panicking in class, email me first.

Book your first class Email me

Come as you are. Bring your racing heart and your overthinking mind.

Read about my training.