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10 Ways That Yoga Can Help Improve Your Mental Health

By: Loveli Brown


Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has gained popularity in recent times due to its numerous benefits, especially for mental health.


What is the definition of Yoga?


The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature.


Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and whilst many different interpretations and styles have been developed, most tend to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve liberation from suffering. Although each school or tradition of yoga has its own emphasis and practices, most focus on bringing together body, mind and breath as a means of altering energy or shifting consciousness.


How does yoga affect your mental health?


Yoga should be considered as a complementary therapy or alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders as it has been shown to create a greater sense of well-being, increase feelings of relaxation, improve self-confidence and body image, improve efficiency, better interpersonal relationships, increase attentiveness, lower irritability, and encourage an optimistic outlook on life.


Here are 10 ways that yoga can help improve your mental health:


1.) Reduces stress: Yoga has been proven to reduce stress levels by calming the mind and relaxing the body.


2.) Improves focus and concentration: Practicing yoga can help improve focus and concentration, allowing you to be more productive and efficient in your daily life.


3.) Boosts mood: Yoga has been shown to increase the production of serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone, which can help boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.


4.) Improves sleep: Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved sleep quality, which can lead to better mental health.


5.) Reduces anxiety: Yoga can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing.


6.) Increases self-awareness: Yoga encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, which can lead to a better understanding of oneself and improved mental health.


7.) Promotes emotional regulation: Regular yoga practice can help regulate emotions by teaching individuals how to control their thoughts and reactions to situations.


8.) Improves resilience: Yoga can improve resilience by teaching individuals to remain calm and focused in stressful situations.


9.) Enhances mindfulness: Yoga involves being present in the moment and focusing on the breath, which can enhance mindfulness and reduce negative thoughts.


10.) Builds community: Practicing yoga in a group setting can help build a sense of community and support, which can improve mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.


Overall, yoga is a powerful tool for improving mental health that can be practiced by individuals of all ages and abilities.



Here are a few books that may answer any questions that you have regarding this practice.


Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice (DK Science of) https://a.co/d/6QcAjC1


The Yoga Bible https://a.co/d/6LiG0dr

Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book: A Visual Guide to Form, Function, and Movement - An Educational Anatomy Coloring Book for Medical Students, Yoga ... (Volume 1) (The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book) https://a.co/d/dDcGX8M


Yoga for Seniors Ages 50-70: Step by Step Guidebook to Yoga Exercises that are Perfectly Designed for Seniors https://a.co/d/2OjdozE


Be good to you and the people around you.


Let's continue the journey!

Loveli xoxo

@loveliesteem


"Being able to articulate your feelings, wants, needs, and desires is the best way to advocate for yourself. This all starts with a conversation". Loveli xoxo


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