Originated in ancient India, yoga is a physical and spiritual practice. That originated in ancient India and is widely practised for health and well-being. There are many different types of Yoga, each with its own emphasis and varying levels of intensity and spiritual focus.
Research has shown that Yoga can help with a variety of physical problems. Such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, and chronic conditions. Among Mental Health disorders, research has found benefits of practising yoga. Particularly for addressing symptoms of depression and posttraumatic disorder (PTSD).
For about one in three people, with depression, antidepressants are not effective. Studies suggest that people who are taking antidepressant medicines are still experiencing symptoms adding a yoga-based program may help.
how Yoga helps to treat mental health?
Improved mood
Practising yoga daily helps to elevate certain chemicals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Along with physical advantages, the higher level of GABA results in uplifting your mood.
Sharp brain
It has been found in research that yoga positively affects certain neurological functions in the brain which are linked to focus and concentration. Moreover, it is also found that yoga may even decrease brain shrinkage in specific areas of the brain that affect cognition and memory.
Decreased anxiety
Yoga is an effective supplementary approach for managing anxiety disorders, as it has been shown to reduce stress levels. Yoga helps to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing a person’s body to relax after experiencing any danger or threat. This, along with increased levels of GABA in the body, can help lower symptoms of anxiety.
Reduced PTSD Symptoms
While practising yoga, people learn how to support their bodies when performing difficult postures and poses, which allows a person to feel calm and composed.
Improved sleep
Yoga has proved to be very effective in the treatment of insomnia and improving sleep quality. Many of the breath exercises are taught in Yoga such as Pranayams which have been noted as very helpful for people suffering from insomnia. Practising these yogasanas before bedtime helps to show the body that it’s time to relax and get prepared for sleep.
Reduced stress
We can easily be overwhelmed when we have multiple things going in our mind at once. Yoga is known for providing calming effects which can help in managing depression, stress and anxiety.
Promote healthy habits
If you practise yoga regularly, you may be more likely to opt for healthier food options. Yoga may also be proved as a gateway to other physical activities. Exposure and meeting with other health-minded people can inspire you to make other lifestyle changes.
In addition to this, yoga is also helpful for people who want to lose weight, stop smoking, or manage any chronic disease. Of course, your results may vary. Your outcome also depends on your attitude, the quality of your instruction, and the type of yoga being practised.
Conclusion
If you are also feeling overwhelmed and need support managing issues such as stress or anxiety, visit our website mental health guide to help get your mental health and well-being back on track. With the guidance of a Yoga expert, you can tweak and tailor your practice to support you throughout your own life.