Into the hobby for deep relaxation, fun is less important but nice. Due to health issues life style changes were suggested. Meds suck. Tried many things but found the hobby worked past.

Here it was suggested yoga might be a good thing to try. One can get impressive relaxation responses with yoga to be sure. But there are different varieties and each has differing benefits and side effects. The types of yoga that give big relaxation responses have side effects that don’t work well for me.

I’ll explain: classify yogas into two categories: “calming” and “alerting”. Some “brands” of yogas can work both ways depending on how and what technique is implied: the Chihnese martial art / meditation methods of qigong for instance can swing both ways.

Calming yogas involve a routine and focus. These are most relaxing with large physiological responses. They are also great for improving physical performance and psychological compartmentalization. They are enjoyable (often blissful) but side effects can include some rigid and stereotyped thought.

Alerting yogas involve less or no routine. They offer only a minuscule relaxation response if any. They are excellent for improving insight and clear thought and undoing psychological compartmentalization. No bliss or trance, often boring to practice, and their side effects may include a tendency to be very open, even too direct or risky.

I’ve tried both flavors for decades. I get into trouble with the side effects of the calming yogas and lose some of the analytical edge I need to function professionally. So the calming yogas are only an option after I retire.