The economic downturn and the job losses that have come along with it have created extra stress for many of us. As a result, many say they're finding some relief from the recession in the form of Yoga.

As recession-rattled americans look to stretch their dollars, it seems yoga is a little luxury many are holding on to as they look for ways to let go. Yoga enthusiast Natanya Alon says, "I've definitely been feeling more stress over the last five or six months, that wasn't there previously, and I do think that a lot of it has to do with the economy." Washington,  D.C. Yoga Instructor Kyra Sudofsky says class attendance at her studio is on the rise, and so is her students' anxiety. She says, "I have students coming up to me before and after class talking about friends being laid off from work, or they've lost their jobs themselves, and they're looking for an outlet."

Sudofsky says she often has a packed house as participants seek to shed stress without spending a lot of cash. Yoga enthusiast Lydia Charles says, "Looking at a movie or even a couple of drinks after work, I feel like it's an inexpensive way to deal with stress." The ancient practice and its focus on community has even led to some networking benefits. Lydia says, "Recently I left a job that was more or less killing me, and my family was like, "in this economy?" and I was like, 'no, you don't understand.' And one of the first places I announced that was yoga class."  While also preaching a sense of control, as students try to restore, or attain well-being in uncertain times. Instructor Sudofsky says, "Yoga's cheaper than therapy. So come on out, join us."

 According to Web MD, some studies have suggested that yoga may have a positive effect on learning and memory. Other researchers have been studying if yoga can slow the aging process... As well as improved energy levels.