The economy is bad, folks have lost jobs, the stock market has crashed and the news paints a not-so-pretty picture of the global marketplace. In these tough times, we look for any and every way to reduce stress.

“Yoga gets rid of stress,” says Vidal Bitton, owner and instructor at LakeView Yoga in Kenmore.

Bitton adds, “Yoga is for people who want to take care of themselves.”

He gives an example of a 73-year-old gentleman who partakes in yoga regularly, who feels his life has changed for the better. Whether it’s recuperating from physical injury, the need to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure or the search for an emotional lift, yoga technique can relax and revitalize the body and mind. Yoga builds strength, tones muscles, helps with balance and nurtures the spirit. I understand that the breathing technique is one of the beginning lessons into understanding how the body works and how important each breath is with each exercise.

Breathing is done only through the nose, not through the mouth, so that the participant takes in no more oxygen than is needed. This also keeps the face well relaxed and the entire body starts to “get the idea.” As one masters the yoga exercises, a confident yoga student achieves the most out of yoga, reaching a deeper level of spiritual awareness. The connection of mind, body and spirit can be the best medicine … above and beyond the therapeutic results.

The art form originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and combines physical and mental disciplines. I looked up yoga in Wikipedia. It means to control or to unite. It’s a unification of the mind, body and spirit.

My friend, Carolyn, a former dancer, is sold on yoga and says, “It is relaxing, energizing, soothing and it’s where your outer self meets the inner self.”

In addition, Carolyn feels about yoga, “I love that I don’t have to compete with anyone.”

Bitton, also a private chef, and awarded Best Chef on the Eastside, says, “I’ve gone from hot food to hot yoga,” when asked about the warm temperature of the room where yoga takes place.

To warm the muscles, apparently the room temperature is 105 degrees, which probably feels pretty good in these winter months — kind of like a therapeutic tropical vacation!

If you’re wondering whatever happened to Cliffords Restaurant on Bothell Way in Kenmore? Well, last November, Bitton turned this ideal location into LakeView Yoga.

“I’ve built a clean environment, with lots of windows overlooking the water,” he says.

Along with yoga, Bitton has also included massage therapy and acupuncture at his studio for total body wellness.

Since I’m the ultimate water rat, I’m not sure if I’m ready to replace swimming with yoga yet, but that 105 degrees right now sounds delightfully warm and healing.

Oommm! Aahhhh!