Tuckahoe Police Learn Benefits Of Yoga In Battling Stress, Anxiety

TUCKAHOE, N.Y. – The Tuckahoe Police Department has taken yoga classes for the last two months at Yoga Haven, learning to combat stress and relieve the anxiety connected to working in law enforcement with the help of their lieutenant and yoga instructor Peggy Belles.

Lt. Peggy Belles (front row, third from left), flanked by fellow officers at one of their Sunday yoga sessions at Yoga Haven in Tuckahoe.
Photo Credit: *Contibuted*

Nicole Briggs

03/05/2015 7:30 p.m.

“As I continue to think about policing and our mission, it is ever clear why yoga and its practice and principles are essential for law enforcement. Police officers are sworn to the keep the peace outside, but the peace is needed on the inside. Policing is a para-military organization and the mantra in this profession is to be tough, to never let them see you sweat, never lose, no pain, no gain,” Belles said.

“Most people could never imagine the level of stress, tension, and anxiety inherent in law enforcement. The consequences are deadly for many of our brothers and sisters in blue. Yoga combats the stress of the job, releasing tension and relieving anxiety and depression. The quality of my life since practicing yoga has exponentially increased,” she said.

Belles joined the Tuckahoe Police Department as a patrol officer in 1994 at the age of 25 and became a yogi at 33.

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