6 Ways that Yoga Can Improve Mental Health
Yoga has been practiced around the world for centuries. In Western culture, it’s certainly nothing new, but has sometimes been stereotyped in ways that can turn people off from it before they even get started.
In reality, yoga is a great way to boost your body’s flexibility, improve your breathing, and give you more strength. It’s not just a fantastic workout for your body, yoga also has many mental health benefits.
Whether you’re dealing with mental health issues like anxiety or depression or just trying to maintain your mental well-being, consider trying yoga and getting the most from its natural benefits.
Let’s cover a few ways that different practices in the yoga tradition can improve your mental health, so you can get started with it right away.
1. It Reduces Stress
There’s no question that stress is a tremendous problem for many people today. Whether you’re leading a busy life, feeling overwhelmed with work, or your personal life is taking a toll on you, finding ways to reduce stress is essential to your overall well-being.
Yoga helps to reduce stress by promoting relaxation. Depending on the style of yoga, a session can put you in a calmer state of mind, leaving you less stressed and more emotionally ready to tackle life’s challenges.
2. It Promotes Better Sleep
Sleep and your mental health are more connected than you might think. If you’re not getting a good night’s rest, you’re more likely to experience stress and frustration. If you already deal with things like depression, a lack of sleep can make your symptoms worse.
A mindful approach to yoga can help to relax your mind and body into a state of sleep and burn off extra energy so it’s easier for you to sleep soundly through the night.
3. It Boosts Your Mood
The physical practice of yoga, known as “asana,” helps to release endorphins. If you’ve ever heard of a “runner’s high,” the concept is the same. Physical activity boosts serotonin and can improve your mood, making you feel happier.
Additionally, research has suggested that regular physical practice of yoga can actually increase hormones associated with a more balanced, happier mood.
4. It Improves Brain Function
Yoga can help to boost your overall cognitive function. It helps with focus and concentration, which reduces your risk of getting distracted and letting anxious or depressed thoughts take over. Yoga can lead to clearer thinking, which is a big help when you’re often dealing with invasive, negative thoughts.
5. It Makes You More Mindful
Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword lately, but that’s because it’s effective. Mindfulness is the practice of staying in the present. It can be done through deep breathing and improving your focus. Combining breathing practices, known as pranayana, during the physical asana practice facilitates mindful present-moment awareness.
You can focus solely on what you’re doing, rather than letting anxious thoughts try to creep in. Because yoga practices help with brain function, it also makes it easier to concentrate on how your mind and body are doing together, rather than giving in to negative thoughts.
6. It Fosters an Attitude of Gratitude
Yoga helps you develop a greater appreciation for life and the world around you. You’ll learn to accept yourself, your body, and your circumstances. Even if you’re having a hard time with things, this practice can help you find things to be grateful for.
Adopting an attitude of gratitude can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help to change your perspective on things that might typically cause you to be sad or anxious.
If you’ve never tried yoga, there’s no time like the present. Whether you join a class or practice in the comfort of your own home, you’re likely to recognize some of these mental health benefits quickly. If you’re struggling with your mental health and are looking for a body-centered, mindful approach to therapy, contact us to learn more about Hakomi Therapy.