I’m not a doctor and do not recommend stopping medication that was prescribed to you without first consulting your physician.
My name is Heather and I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Sometimes it completely takes over and keeps me in bed. But most days, I get the courage to fight through it. After years of taking prescription meds, I decided I had had enough. While they work for so many, I found that pumping my body with pills had way more negative effects on me than I needed. I turned to my doctor, friends, family and google, searching for alternatives. More than any others, the two suggestions that popped up the most were yoga and meditation.
I fought the idea… for longer than I will admit. I just couldn’t understand how either of those things could help me and calm me down. But, the more I spoke to people about it, the more they suggested them. It was becoming a recurring answer. And if I was looking for a sign, I must have missed the one that was smacking me in the face daily.
Yoga. Meditation. Mindfulness.
I started with meditation. After just a couple of weeks, I can honestly say that I saw a difference. If I meditated in the morning, I felt more calm throughout the day. If I meditated at night, I slept better. I meditated daily for about a month and then, like most things that I cross paths with, I stopped. It wasn’t because it wasn’t working, it was because when things start getting better for me, I panic.
My anxiety spiraled out of control again. Occasionally, I would feel so bad that I would turn to meditation, but not bad enough that I went back to practicing regularly.
The more I spoke about it, the more people told me that I needed to add yoga into my routine. And because I’m the most stubborn person I know, I ignored them. I told them that yoga was the last thing that I needed. The thought of going to a class with a bunch of people who were extremely flexible and half my size, sounded awful. All eyes on me? It was a panic attack waiting to happen.
Then, I got an email from Bulldog Yoga. It was enough to make me stop and seriously consider the idea. I agreed to try it out because Bulldog Yoga is not your average yoga. They are about making yoga approachable, accessible and fun. And it’s all done online. So that means, I can do it in the comfort of my own home, without any skinny, bendable stranger’s eyes on me. And I can do it on my terms, when I want.
I can’t say it’s been easy. I tell myself that I will wake up and take an online class and then the morning comes and I make excuses. When you suffer from anxiety, sometimes planning is your enemy. But on the days that I stopped and committed to taking a class, it was unlike any other type of exercise I’d ever done. It’s not a fast paced, give me some water now type of exercise. It’s more of a stretch and push your own limits type of exercise. I found myself finally being able to shut off my mind and just “be” in the moment. That’s something I haven’t felt in a while. And as a person with anxiety, it’s what I need.
Now, I imagine what it will be like once I stop being so stubborn and add meditation back into the mix. I think all of those people just might be right.
While I can’t say that this will become a daily thing for me, I am committed to giving it a chance. I like how yoga makes me feel and I look forward to the day when it comes natural to me. So natural that I won’t want to run from it.
Have you tried yoga yet? What if I told you that you could try it out for FREE for 30 days?
Bulldog Yoga has been generous enough to offer my readers 30 days of free online classes! You can also grab some awesome bulldog apparel like the hoodie I’m wearing in these pictures.
Save 25% off with code: thesupermomlife
Have you done yoga before? I’d love to hear what you think!
*This post was sponsored by Bulldog yoga, but all opinions are my own. I’m not a doctor and do not recommend stopping medication that was prescribed to you without first consulting your physician.

blair villanueva
July 12, 2019Yoga is proven to help relax our body and concentrate of our inner self.
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
July 10, 2019I give this two big thumbs up! Pills always come with more side effects. Who needs more to add to their plate, am I right?!
Emman Damian
July 10, 2019It’s better to start within and use yoga and meditation to treat anxiety instead of medications. It also protects our liver from bad substances. Yoga and meditation is also free!
Lavern Moore
July 10, 2019Yoga and meditation should certainly be an alternative to medication as in your case. There are so many benefits and relieving anxiety is one of them.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
July 10, 2019Oh yeah, I do some yoga on a daily.It has helped me out so much with my pain in the back and legs, I have lived “in the now” and not later or tomorrow and most of all, I am less anxious than I was 2 years ago.
That was a good addition to your life, Heather. Welcome to the team.
Lian Wright
July 9, 2019I am not one for turning to meds to heal everything the tis wrong with me. I love doing yoga! It helps to clearly head and stretch myself out.
Bill Sweeney
July 9, 2019Kudos to you! With many medications having possible side effects that could make you worse, yoga in lieu of meds is a wise choice.
Brianne Tursi Manz
July 9, 2019I think you made the best decision! From what I’ve read exercise, especially yoga, is optimal for treating anxiety.
REESA LEWANDOWSKI
May 4, 2019I suffer from anxiety as well. I am not on meds for it. I need to start trying this!
Jennifer
May 3, 2019I love yoga. It makes me feel alive. So glad it is helping you too!
Nancy Horn
May 3, 2019My kids take yoga in school and I see a huge difference in my oldest child now that he is in middle school and not taking it anymore. We do try to meditate, but it’s been a while since we’ve done it. I think we need both back in our life. Last week I was upstate and my daughter and I took a yoga class. It was an excellent workout and I felt so calm after.
Rachel
May 2, 2019I would love to wean off of my anxiety meds. I need to incorporate some more yoga and meditation.
Heather
May 2, 2019Honestly, it was the hardest thing I ever did but I’m glad I did! For me, they had a lot of negative effects on me.
Anne Marie
May 2, 2019My heart goes out to you in your battle with anxiety! Meditation is a centuries old tradition and it has the power to
lift our minds and hearts to God, and bring lasting (not temporary) peace. THAT’S the peace I pray that you will find! I would like to humbly suggest that next time you meditate, focus your mind on sSomeone (Christ), not something. He suffered far more than any of us ever will, and understands our pain. He wants to help you conquer this, and learn to trust Him. Peace be with you, Heather!
Heather
May 2, 2019I’m Jewish, but thank you for the advice 🙂
Ruth I
May 2, 2019I’ve heard that yoga really helps. Glad you find it much better than taking meds.
Claudia Krusch
May 2, 2019I am resuming Yoga tomorrow It really calms me, relaxes my muscles! I don’t like the hot yoga type, for me it’s all about relaxing!
Celebrate Woman Today
May 2, 2019Heather, you remind me of my yoga: with laptop and just be in it. Great story and thank you for sharing it.
Kathy
May 1, 2019I’m glad you were able to find something that works for you. I think yoga is amazing for so many things. I really need to start doing yoga myself. I know it would help me too.
Stacie
May 1, 2019I love that you were able to use yoga in lieu of meds to control your anxiety. Although some people need meds, I feel like maybe a lot of people don’t.
Melissa
April 30, 2019YES! Yoga and Meditation changed my life! Plus prayer. People take it seriously. I spent a year in daily practice and it literally saved me from despair. Thanks for advocating and sharing your story.
Emmanuel Damian
April 27, 2019I want to go back to Yoga again! It really calms me! Also, it helps me clear my mind.
Louisa
April 27, 2019So happy for you Heather that you found a natural way to deal with anxiety. I’ve always heard good things about yoga and meditation 🙂
Fatima Torres
April 27, 2019I applaud you for giving yoga and meditation a try. It’s not always easy to come off meds.
Tamara
April 27, 2019I use to have a problem with anxiety. I stopped all my coffee and tea and started working out more. Now no more anxiety. Its been a true blessing.
Jessica Hughes
April 26, 2019I love that you were able to find success thoruigh yoga! I’m all for natural remedies!
Nikka Shae
April 26, 2019Now I would love to try yoga! I would love just to meditate and take all of the stress away.
Nikki Stephens
April 26, 2019I use yoga as part of my anxiety treatment too. It calms my body and my mind, which are both ways my anxiety presents. There are a ton of benefits!
Shelley R Zurek
April 26, 2019How lucky for you that yoga worked as an alternative to drugs for you.
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
April 26, 2019I’m glad you found a natural solution rather than medication! I’ve never tried yoga or meditation but I really want to.
Sofia
April 26, 2019I’ve been doing yoga for 2 years and it’s been the best to years ever to handle any issue I go through. Great blog post!
Aditi
April 26, 2019So important to try to naturally manage issues … Wonder ful advice here.
Amber
April 26, 2019I have done yoga for over 10 years and it is so relaxing. It will get better (more calming for you) too with when flexibility, strenght and breathing techniques improve!
Mary Edwards
April 26, 2019This is awesome advice. I’ve never been a fan of prescription drugs or any medication honestly. My daughter goes to counseling for anxiety and through breathing techniques has improved so much.
Heather
April 26, 2019Breathing has been huge for me too, but I didn’t really understand how to do it correctly until I started meditating. I’m finding that they all go hand in hand.
Annemarie LeBlanc
April 26, 2019I have only tried yoga once but it did not work for me. I will try meditation. I have a lot of friends who are encouraging me to try it. I might as well. It would be better for me than to keep popping pills in my mouth.
Heather
April 26, 2019I said the same thing after the first time. Like anything else, you have to give it a chance. While it won’t take the place of meds for many people, I’ve been off of mine for a couple of months now and have found different options that are able to calm me down.
Lisa Favre
April 26, 2019Yoga is something I have to start picking up again! It really helped me a lot when it came to anxiety and stress – I stopped after having a baby.
artchee
April 26, 2019I think this is really good for you. I’ve heard and read a lot of good things if you’re into meditation and yoga. :0)
Snehal
April 26, 2019I enjoy doing yoga and meditation! It helped with my digestion issues and also improved focus. 🙂
Terri Steffes
April 25, 2019Yoga and I aren’t friends BUT meditation and I are! I need to be more fully present and do more meditation. You are inspiring me!
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
April 25, 2019Yoga and meditation helped me so much through Graves Disease! Totally life changing ♡. I hope that you continue to enjoy the experience and that it helps tons. Sending love and well wishes your way!
Christine Weis
April 25, 2019That’s a great solution. I suffer from anxiety too. I have never been on meds and have tried yoga. It’s just not for me. Reading helps me with my anxiety and surrounding myself with positive people. Way to go for taking care of YOU!
Roch
April 25, 2019Great thought! My dad is an advocate of yoga and meditation and he’s really the one who helps us and inspires us to practice these to strengthen the mind.
Heather @ US Japan Fam
April 25, 2019This is SO inspiring, thank you for sharing!!! As a mom of 3 young children, I find myself increasingly cranky and exhausted, and usually turn to caffeine to turn my day around. But yoga, alone in the evening or even in the daytime with the kids, I imagine it could really help! Time to try it!!
KeshiaRichmond
April 25, 2019I love yoga. Particularly bikram/hot yoga. Any kind though seems to be beneficial!
Helen Little
April 25, 2019I’m so pleased for you in finding a way to reduce your anxiety. Remote yoga sounds awesome!
TheVirginiaNymph
April 25, 2019I am so glad you found something that is working for you!
Tasheena
April 25, 2019I have to make sure to check out this site. Yoga is one of my favorite things to do. I have to work on incorporating meditation in my daily routines.
Ashley
April 25, 2019Sounds like you found what works for you! I totally agree that yoga and meditation helps! Yoga is always my go-to when I’m feeling stressed.
Shoshana
April 25, 2019I like the idea of online yoga and for people with anxiety this is great because someone who gets anxious about going to the gym can do the class in the comfort zone like their home. Im so glad yoga and meditation are helping you so much!
Amber Myers
April 25, 2019I wish I could take yoga and meditation seriously. I tend to just get the giggles whenever I’ve tried it, but I’m so glad you found something that helps you! I find reading helps calm me down.
candy
April 25, 2019Now that is a much better solution and good for you. Not sure if it is for everyone but working with a doctor and yoga and meditation sounds great.