Does thinking about bending into a downward dog or a warrior pose make your head spin? Yoga is inundated with complicated terms, but, at its core, it is a simple practice that can greatly benefit your mental health. In reality, yoga is a series of breathing techniques paired with various body stretches. In recent years, yoga has grown in popularity, not only as a weight-loss technique but also as a form of self-care and to help improve mental health. Here’s exactly how yoga can transform your mood and help you cope with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression:
Who can benefit from yoga?
Anxiety isn’t a rarity. In fact, 31.3 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with anxiety sometime during their lifetime. In addition, 25.1 percent of children between the ages of 13 and 18 will also suffer from a form of anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Compared to other mental illnesses, anxiety is the most prevalent followed closely by depression. Luckily, yoga is a low-risk and low-strenuous form of exercise which can be practiced by a wide variety of individuals.
What benefits does yoga provide?
Have you ever had your heart racing and your palms begin to sweat? These are both very common side effects of anxiety. Over time, yoga has been proven to subside these side effects because it increases your heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga also teaches our mind and body to slow down and properly access the situation. This means, that when stressful situations arise, yoga can help subside immense feelings of anxiety that are normally felt. In addition, yoga can reduce resting heart rate, lower blood pressure overall, improve breathing and increase pain tolerance.
Like other forms of exercise, yoga increases serotonin, a neurological chemical that contributes toward happiness. Studies show that a lack of serotonin is common in people with depression. Yoga helps individuals produce more serotonin and therefore cope with feelings of depression. Yoga paired for a doctor-administered treatment plan for depression can drastically improve individuals’ livelihood.
Why your mental health should be a priority?
When we feel trapped, we sometimes start to spiral. Overwhelming emotions due to mental illness are common. But sometimes our brain isolates ourselves and makes us feel alone and as if we’re out of touch with everyone around us. This might be a sign that it’s time to seek out some professional help. At Doctors Park Mental Health Center, we focus on helping you find your confidence and boost your morale. Make your mental health a priority this year and book an appointment with us today.