In today’s world, we face high-stress jobs, family challenges, and an awareness of global crises that can add uncertainty to our lives. If we feel like our state of mind is suffering, is there something we can add to our daily routine to support it?
Yes — yoga!
Yoga is an excellent practice for the physical body, but what does it do for your mind?
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of yoga for mental well-being and how you can incorporate yoga into your daily wellness routine.
Yoga can allow you to slow down, practice healthy movement, and provide a greater connection between your body and mind. Research suggests that yoga provides mental health benefits by:
At least one type of yoga has been used for over 100 years as a form of therapy to support emotional regulation, stress relief and relaxation. Let’s dive into yoga and the mental health benefits that its practices may provide.
Movement in any form is incredibly beneficial to one’s health. Connecting movement with mindfulness can affect not only your physical health but also your emotional and mental well-being. For example, focusing on your breathwork can lower your cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
The movements in yoga are typically slower than with many other forms of exercise, but your muscles are still engaged and working hard. This releases neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which help boost your mood and reduce stress.
Practicing yoga may allow the body to release stress hormones linked to the “flight, flight or freeze” response. This is a natural reaction that can cause anxious feelings, increasing your heart and breathing rates.
Additionally, having a movement routine provides predictability and can release some stress in your day, allowing you to put your energy toward other stressors in your life.
If you often get uneasy, yoga breathwork is a great practice to add whenever you feel emotions rise. Breathwork is crucial for centering yourself and tackling the situation before you. Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructors can teach you these breathing techniques to have at the ready.
Yoga can foster emotional resilience by encouraging self-reflection and awareness of the mind-body connection.
Greater self-reflection and awareness of your feelings can be helpful for your mental health. Participating in a yoga class that challenges you may provide the determination and confidence to handle circumstances that bring stress into your life.
Self-awareness is an essential component of handling stress. By practicing yoga, you can develop your “observer mind,” which allows you to block out the phenomena around you and focus on the present moment.
Physical movement has several known benefits. Adding physical activity to your day may help alleviate sleep-related problems, including:
In addition to yoga being a physical activity that promotes sleep, other aspects of yoga including breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises may directly help with sleep. Yoga can calm the nervous system, reduce overthinking and encourage relaxation, especially before bedtime. A National Health Interview Survey found that 55% of adults who incorporate yoga into their daytime routines have better sleep.
While yoga can be a solo activity, participating in yoga classes allows you the opportunity for connection and socialization that can benefit those needing a stronger sense of emotional well-being. Through yoga, you can build a sense of:
These may be the additional pieces needed to support your wellness journey. If you are looking for community, try to find a yoga class that fits your physical and emotional needs.
A huge benefit of yoga is that many variations are available, encompassing a broad age range and a wide variety of physical conditions.
If you’ve been reluctant to try yoga out of concern for your flexibility as a beginner, the Korean-style yoga taught by Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructors could be right for you ~ there are no inverted poses, and the movements can easily be modified to suit your condition.
The choice of which type of yoga to practice is personal: it depends on your physical and mental wellness goals. Any amount of yoga movement can be beneficial, so try to find a class that will meet you where you are.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi classes include:
All of our classes allow you to connect with others while awakening your physical body, developing your energy sense, and creating inner peace. In addition to our classes, we also offer workshops and retreats, which can be another great way to support yourself and engage in a community of like-minded individuals.
No matter your stressors, having a solid exercise routine that supports your physical and mental well-being is essential. Yoga is a great way to do this, and can be a part of your life through group classes or at home. Even if it is only for a few minutes, daily yoga practice may significantly improve your sense of well-being and brighten your state of mind.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructors are ready to provide the best in holistic fitness, online and in the studio. We offer classes that:
Our yoga classes are both physically and mentally engaging and can be a great addition to your self-care routine.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructors are committed to being on your wellness journey with you. Our dedicated staff is here to guide you toward accomplishing your goals. Contact your local studio today to get started on your path toward greater inner peace and growth.