Wellbeing

Singing can have many of the same benefits as yoga: improved fitness and posture, better lung capacity, and sharper mental alertness. Singer and singing coach Helen Astrid tells all.

When people think of yoga they often imagine a dark room with burning incense, chimes ringing and waif-like students chanting.

Twelve weeks pregnant and constantly exhausted and nauseous, Alexia Barnard turned to yoga for help. Several months and yoga classes later, her energy levels and sense of well-being have been restored.

Staying fit and supple needn't be a huge commitment. Perhaps it's time to ignore colleagues' puzzled stares and dabble in some office yoga, says journalist Martin Drury.

Depression affects around 121 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability among 15-to-44 year olds. Mary Watson of the Depression Alliance explains how yoga can benefit sufferers of this debilitating condition.