Yoga for Mental Health and Mental Illness

The word yoga originates from the ancient Sanskrit script and its literal meaning is ‘union’. Yoga is a physical technique which aims to unify the body, mind and soul. It is a complete workout that helps strengthen the body, calm the mind and purify the soul, bringing you closer to a higher power and allowing you to gain higher consciousness.

Yoga is a complete body workout that helps promote the health of the entire body, strengthening all aspects of the being. There is no particular pose of yoga that can be considered more beneficial than the others. Everything about yoga is scientific (at least in context of the benefits, even if its action or method of working is not yet understood) and each pose benefits specific parts of the body.

If poses are practiced in specific sequences, maximum benefit can be derived from them. Though any kind of physical exercise releases hormones known as endorphins which are natural mood enhancers, yoga in particular allows for increasing mental acuity, concentration and prowess. Mental health has a deep connection with physical health. Good physical health fosters good mental health and the vice versa is also true.

Specific disciplines of yoga like Hasya yoga or laughter yoga are more beneficial for mental health than any other forms of yoga. The studies conducted on the discipline suggest that the deep breathing exercises and stretching exercises allow increased blood flow to the brain, improving mental activity and relieving both stress and anxiety. Regular practice of yoga poses can also treat any specific mental health problem like depression or anxiety related disorders.

Yoga is considered the best alternative mental illness therapy. Yoga and mental health have a lasting relationship. The principles on which the discipline was formed, took into account all aspects of well being.

Meditative techniques of yoga help trigger brain chemicals like the gamma animobutyric acid. Many of these chemicals are beneficial for the body and allow expulsion of stressful thoughts. These chemicals are also beneficial for naturally treat depression. Some of the specific benefits of yoga for treating each and every specific mental illness are:

• By increasing the secretion of endorphins, the body naturally feels more energetic.
• Mental acuity is improved, therefore increasing concentration and improving focus.
• By relieving stress, yoga can help improve the quality of sleep.
• Anxiety levels are reduced and depression can be cured.
• Regular practice of yoga can help improve self esteem and self worth.
• Yoga also helps improve physical health which is again associated with improved mental health.

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Yoga for mental health - Tips for mental health

Stress at work, stress at home, stress while commuting—let’s face the facts: every day we have to deal with increasing amounts of stress! Not only does this stress manifest itself in the form of various physiological disorders, it also leads to a host of mental problems. It’s not likely that our stress levels are going to go down any time soon. So is there any way of ensuring that we have a mechanism that can successfully helps us cope with all the stress that we’re subjected to in our lives? Fortunately, yoga seems to hold the key.

Yoga and mental health

Yoga is an ancient disciple that originated in India thousands of years ago. Although yoga is increasingly gaining popularity as an alternative form of exercise, what is still not as well known is the tremendous impact that yoga can have on your mental health. Let us find out how yoga and mental health is related.

Medical science is coming to realize what the ancient mystics knew all along: mental and physical health is closely entwined. If you are not physically fit, it will affect your state of mind. Conversely, if you are mentally or emotionally disturbed, it will have a direct bearing on your physical well being.

Yoga exercise for mental health

Yoga is so effective in ensuring your health and well being because it does not separate the physical from the mental. Yoga targets not just your physical body, but also your mind. How does yoga manage to achieve this unification to ensure perfect all round health?

• Yoga exercises are not traditionally performed at a particular pace, or against a certain resistance, or to maintain a certain respiratory or heart rate. In fact, the pace of yoga varies for every individual. You are supposed to use your mind to re-connect with your body, and then allow your body and mind to dictate the pace of your yoga workout.
• All yoga exercises also follow specific breathing patterns in tandem with the physical exercises. This forces your mind to actively concentrate on what the body is doing and thereby promotes mental health.
• Before commencing any yoga posture, you are expected to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and restore your mental equilibrium.
• The physical exercises are followed by meditation techniques. These meditation techniques are also accompanied by various breathing techniques. They allow you to shut out the outside world and re-connect with yourself at a very deep level.

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