Some of the physical benefits of Yoga include improved flexibility, better circulation, and pain relief, but yoga has also been found to help with mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. Yoga is, after all, about both the body and the mind.
Yoga functions like a self-soothing technique, much like meditation, relaxation, exercise, or even socialising with friends. Researchers have proven that yoga can decrease stress by calming the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and more eased respiration. Yoga has also been observed to increase heart rate variability, which indicates the body’s flexibility in responding to stress.
People undergoing mental health treatment may get medical care, but some seek alternative care or something beyond medication. Through research, yoga has helped patients coping with all kinds of conditions, from eating disorders to PTSD to schizophrenia. A study has found that yoga also lowers the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse, and other self-medicating behaviours that may be more harmful than helpful.
Regulating stress reduces pain responses and activity in the brain associated with pain response and practicing yoga can do just that. Yoga lets you release stress and tension by focusing on the present–body, mind and soul. If negative thoughts are blocking the intention you’ve set for the day, yoga can shift you back into place and make you feel more in control.
Yoga promotes mindfulness, as you have to focus on your breath to guide you through each movement. Mindfulness means an increase in awareness in the present moment, which is a great practice for anyone immersed too deep in adverse thoughts. Some yoga styles and instructors also encourage students to let go of judgement towards themselves. Eventually, a person can take this mindfulness from the mat to everyday life.
Yoga requires commitment and resilience. A beginner will work on their patience as they undergo their practice. They will also need to let go of their ego and the need to compare themselves to others as it takes time to build a solid yoga practice, which differs from one person to the next. Going through a yoga routine also requires stillness, not just with the body as you hold poses, but the mind as well. All of this goes hand-in-hand with self-care and self-love, where you are allowed to be imperfect and accept certain flaws to reach your goals. Yoga is the same. There is no need for perfection, but only an open mind and open heart.
Another benefit of yoga is providing a person with greater insight. The time you take to pause for yoga practice is also a time for reflection and setting intentions. Here, you allow for a moment to check in with yourself, what you need in that exact moment, and what you can do for growth and learning.
It’s important that people experiencing mental health issues choose the right style of yoga. Some types are more strenuous and physically demanding. However, some people have found the extra focus on mobility a great way to manage their mental health conditions. Evidently, yoga is a low-risk, high-yield approach to improving health–physical and mental.
Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-29125/5-positive-ways-yoga-affects-your-mind.html
