You’ve probably heard that yoga is good for your physical wellbeing. It can help with flexibility and keeping you healthy. But what about the mental benefits? Yoga also has holistic benefits that are good for your mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Relieve Depression
There have been studies that show that yoga can be comparable to other treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy. However, this needs more study because of the lack of controlled trials. Overall, though, yoga is known to release happy endorphins, both from the exercise and the mindfulness. In turn, this can help relieve depression and help you feel happier.
- Ease Anxiety
Yoga usually involves breathwork of some kind. This breathwork can be particularly effective in easing anxiety, since anxiety can lead to breathing issues. Focusing on your breath and being really mindful of it can calm the vagus nerve and lessen low levels of generalized anxiety.
- Reduce Stress
A lot of people start practicing yoga to help deal with stress. And it works! Because you tighten and relax your muscles as you practice, you can reduce tension in your body and mind. Most yoga classes also have that nice, peaceful atmosphere of calming music and positive attitude that doesn’t hurt, either. Compare your stress levels before and after practicing yoga and see what a difference yoga can make.
- Improve Sleep
There has been research that shows yoga can improve both the quantity and quality of sleep. With mindfulness and breathwork calming anxiety and stress, and the movement of yoga stretching and relaxing the tension in your muscles, you might find that it does the same for you.
- Promote Other Healthy Habits
Once you start one healthy habit, it makes it easier to start another, and another. Yoga could be the start of a myriad of healthy habits. You’re probably more likely to reach for healthy, wholesome foods after making your body feel so good during yoga class. And once you find out how much you like moving your body, you might find other physical activities you enjoy and move your body more. Yoga might just be the beginning.
- Release Brain Chemicals
As mentioned above, yoga, like most exercise, causes your brain to release happy endorphins. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine all help to boost your mood, and they are all triggered when you work out. Most yoga classes don’t necessarily feel like you’re working hard, because the movements are slow and controlled, but yoga does still get your heart rate up, works your muscles, and releases those brain chemicals.
- Improve Concentration and Self-Awareness
Yoga encourages you to start listening to your body more. This leads to a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions and thoughts. It’s also possible that yoga helps you maintain mental focus as you live your life from day to day. Self-awareness can help you make decisions that are better for you and live your life closer to how you want to be living, and the improved concentration can help you achieve those goals.
Overall, yoga has plenty of physical as well as mental and emotional benefits. Yoga can also be modified to be doable by anybody and any body. When you’re getting started, make sure to start slow and listen to your body. Always warm up properly and stay hydrated, and practice regularly in a comfortable space. Yoga shouldn’t be painful, so if it is, back off and try a different pose. It’s always acceptable to use props as needed, or ask for modified poses.
What benefits have you seen from your yoga practice? What’s your favorite way to practice? Sound off in the comments below!