Blog Post #7: 5 Ways Yoga Can Improve Your Mental Health

Yoga is widely known for reducing stress, improving flexibility and concentration, and promoting a sense of peace—to name just a few of its possible benefits. But do you know that yoga can also provide mental benefits that some may try to achieve through medications, illegal drugs or other toxic, addictive solutions?  Here are some of the mental benefits of having a consistent yoga practice.

1- Promotes mindfulness
Yoga relies on traditional Buddhist teachings on mindfulness. Mindfulness is being fully aware within each present moment. Yoga requires us to slow down. Holding challenging poses for a long period of time or directing our attention in balancing poses cultivates a deep focus and awareness. Connecting our mind with each breath allows us to really experience what it feels like being in our bodies. The mindfulness you experience while practicing yoga will radiate out to other parts of your life. Increasing your level of consciousness will change the way you experience the world. 

2- Reduces anxiety 
In times of high stress and anxiety, our bodies tend to constrict. We start to hold tension in our shoulders, necks, jaws, or elsewhere. Excessive muscular tension can then feed back to our minds and perpetuate the feeling of unease. When we experience the relaxation benefits of yoga, we can lower our physical tension, which helps release the grip that anxiety can have on us. 

3- Improves sleep

• Mindfulness can increase melatonin levels and reduce nighttime sleep disturbances in adults.

• Breath awareness and regulation are an integral part of yoga. Deep breathing is a relaxation technique that can induce sleep.
• Regular exercise. Frequent movement is an important element of sleep hygiene. Moderate exercise several times a week can improve overall sleep.

4- Elevates mood
Countless studies have shown all the wonderful benefits yoga has on your mood. One study found that daily practice significantly raised serotonin levels while simultaneously decreasing stress-induced cortisol levels. Being physically active is known to help increase happiness. Yoga is especially beneficial because of its calm, gentle nature.  

5- Increases self-compassion
Experiencing an increase of positive emotions not only increases self-esteem, but fosters a newfound sense of compassion for yourself and others. Practiced mindfully and intentionally, yoga can help us cultivate self-compassion. Because of its nature as a holistic approach to well-being designed to raise the energetic vibration of the practitioner, yoga is well-suited as a space for practicing and experiencing self-compassion.

So get on your mat today!  Join me for a class soon.