Having been comprised of breathing exercises and meditation techniques, yoga is a complete toolkit for a sound mind and alleviating mental health problems. What would be more surprising is that yoga can help your brain perform better.
People who practice yoga regularly have termed this ancient therapy as the psychology that works with the nature of your mind, emotions, and body to cope with issues like low self-esteem, and mental and emotional disorders.
So far, this ancient technique of controlling your breath accompanied by several poses is practiced by over 300 million people worldwide. Now, why do so many people rely on this thousand-year-old discipline, its spiritual and philosophical roots extend back to the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization of 2700 B.C.
Alongside its physical benefits like balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility, this old discipline also has numerous powerful mental benefits.
Yoga has remained a research subject for the last few decades and several scientific studies have proved its efficacy for mental and physical disorders.
6 Ways Yoga Can Benefit Your Mental Health
To name just a few mental health benefits, yoga is mainly known for improving concentration, reducing stress, and stimulating a sense of calmness. Let’s explore some of its scientifically proven mental health benefits.
Boosts Your Self-Esteem
Practicing this ancient wellness technique makes you less likely to focus on repulsive behaviors thus enabling you to build a positive attitude. This ultimately boosts self-confidence in people with mental imbalances.
To figure out whether or not yoga can improve your self-esteem and confidence a study was conducted involving school girls with low self-esteem and self-destructive behaviors. To measure the efficacy, these students were enrolled in an Integrated Yoga Module for consecutive five days.
The focus group showed a significant improvement in terms of their self-esteem at the end of the module. It also enhanced the concentration and academic performance of the participants.
Improves Your Brain’s Functioning
People who practice it, believe in yoga’s ability to improve brain functioning. It has several therapeutic benefits for mental health backed by scientific studies. With its ability to create focus, yogic practice can restrain your brain from negative thoughts and encourage positive thoughts to rest in your mind.
It also plays a crucial role in the physical functioning of people suffering from chronic traumatic brain injuries. This fact is backed by a study conducted in the year 2015. It involved three people suffering from traumatic brain injury and designed an 8-week yoga intervention. At the end of the 8th week, the participants demonstrated improvement in their brain functioning thus the study suggests this ancient discipline as a feasible technique to cure chronic traumatic brain injuries.
Yoga Relieves Depression
Scientific research has shown that yoga plays a vital role in alleviating depression. Just as you lift weights and exercise to build your muscles, this ancient mind and body wellness technique relaxes your brain cells. It enables your brain cells to develop new connections thus allowing your brain to attract positivity and positivity is the first step to cure depression.
The role of yogic activities in mental health is also proved by several scientific studies. As revealed by a study conducted in the year 2013, this practice has made a prominent place in the healthcare system as the cure for several psychiatric conditions.
Fights Anxiety
Besides alleviating depression and stress, these yogic practices are also used as the simplest remedies to fight anxiety. Even the slightest inconveniences in life may trigger anxiety in most people. Although it may sound simple, anxiety may hinder your overall performance and it may even grow into a severe mental issue when not addressed timely.
To help cope with such phases of life, yoga can play a really beneficial role. This old wellness technique has been used for centuries to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Several studies have been conducted to assess the role of yoga in improving anxiety and depression. The majority of these studies have backed the fact that yoga does have a positive role in alleviating several mental health problems.
Yoga Lowers Your Stress Level
The focus of this old mind and body practice is to promote relaxation thus, it is the go-to workout routine if you are stressing out.
It is long known for its benefits for stress release and relaxation thus, people from every age group can rely on the yogic stress-releasing techniques to attain a sound mind and body.
The stress-releasing characteristics of yoga are also proven scientifically, there are several scientific studies that have suggested this technique as complementary medicine to reduce stress.
Yoga Improves Sleep Patterns
Incorporating yoga into your daily workout routine can help you get quality sleep. Practicing this ancient technique before going to bed can help you sink into a peaceful deep sleep really fast.
Experts suggest nighttime yogic exercises to avoid insomnia and have quality sleep. Scientific researchers also agree to the fact that practicing this ancient technique can help improve your sleep patterns.
Some of the poses that may help you sleep better are as follows:
- The Lizard Pose also known as Utthan Pristhasana
- The Lotus Pose also known as Salabhasana
- The Standing Forward Bend Pose also known as Uttanasana
- Wide-legged standing forward bend aka Prasarita Padottanasana
- The Head-of-the-knee pose also known as Janu Sirsasana
- The seated-forward bend also known as Paschimottanasana
FAQs
How can yoga benefit my mental health?
Yoga offers a holistic approach to mental well-being by combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Regular practice enhances self-awareness, emotional balance, and overall mental clarity, fostering a positive outlook on life.
Can yoga help manage specific mental health conditions?
Yes, yoga can be beneficial for managing various mental health conditions. Studies suggest it can alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Yoga’s focus on breathing and mindfulness helps individuals cope with the challenges of conditions like bipolar disorder and ADHD. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable yoga practices for specific conditions.
Do I need to be physically fit or flexible to practice yoga for mental health?
No, yoga is inclusive and can be adapted to all fitness levels and body types. Many styles, such as gentle or restorative yoga, cater to beginners and people with limited flexibility. Yoga is more about the mind-body connection and breathing than physical prowess. With regular practice, flexibility and strength naturally improve, promoting mental and physical well-being.