Yoga combines dynamic physical exercise with a lifestyle philosophy. There are many forms of yoga but the goal is always the same, perfect self knowledge. More specifically, the ultimate goal of yoga philosophy is complete detachment from reality, as we understand it, and complete self knowledge. If you would like to experiment with yoga as a stress management tool, check out some books at the library to learn more or rent a beginner's yoga video tape. There are alot of good exercise video's available on yoga that would be worth experimenting with.
Meditation is meant to bring about awareness, nothing else.
It's a time to connect to your inner source and let go of the issues, responsibilities and situations that bind your life. The benefits of mediation are uniquely individual, but both physiological and psychological balancing is common. A mantra is a sound, word, or phrase that is repeated to yourself out loud or silently. The purpose of the mantra is to discard your normal thoughts and focus your awareness inward. You can select anything as your mantra from a single word to religious scripture, anything that is meditative for you.