Before we start discussing the benefits of yoga for mental health, we should understand what yoga actually is. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India. The word “Yoga” literally means “union”. It not only exercises your body but also your mind! So, it is evident that it has plenty benefits for our mental health also. Let us look a deeper into this-
Reduces Stress:
As an exercise, it naturally produces serotonin, sometimes called the happy chemical because it contributes to feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Serotonin is the brain is a natural mood stabilizer and has been associated with helping regulate anxiety and stress. In this respect, yoga functions like other self-soothing techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, exercise, or even socializing with friends.
Decreases Anxiety:
Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. In fact, multiple studies have shown that it can decrease the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, yoga appears to modulate stress response systems. This, in turn, decreases physiological arousal — for example, reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration.
Improves Quality Of Life:
By acknowledging the unity of mind, body, and spirit, mind-body, yoga can assist people in their pursuit of peace, calmness, and greater wholeness and integration in their lives. Awareness is one of the hidden gems of yoga, only when you are aware can you find out your bad habits and let go of them. For many, yoga opens the door to other positive lifestyle changes simply through greater awareness.
Improves Self-Confidence:
Yoga practice is any activity that guides self-awareness. A body mindful yoga practice adds the dimension of purposefully tuning in to self-talk and intentionally using self-affirming language to change your brain, uplift your mood, and ultimately, improve your sense of self. The connection to the self makes us feel good in our own skin.
Boosts Concentration And Focus:
Yoga postures and meditation encourage individuals to focus at a particular point, helping them develop higher focus. The same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp for tasks at hand. Exercise also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.
Improves Emotional Control:
Yoga implores us to control our emotions and provides the tools necessary to do so. Emotions are energy and energy equates to power. When we are in control of our emotions we can use them to propel us forward in life. However, when our emotions control us we can suffer greatly and our potential will be vastly diminished.
Yoga offers many benefits in addition to physical health. It improves the overall quality of our life in these stressful lives that we live every day. Those who have tried yoga, all vouch for its effectiveness, and many research also reach the same conclusion. So, what are you waiting for? Multibhashi offers yoga courses that you really need to check out!
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