Top 10 Mental Health Benefits of Yoga
Last Update on July 25, 2023 : Published on December 10, 2020
Do you know that Yoga has 60+ health benefits? Yoga is one of the most popular physical activities all over the world. Not only this, Yoga provides spiritual enlightenment to alcoholics and drug addicts.
Most of us have done Yoga and have self-experienced soothing and treating effective measures of Yoga. Be it anything illness, issues, diagnoses, or stressful situations, Yoga can simply turn such situations into positivity.
Nowadays, Yoga is the most respected and mainstream practice that focuses on the mental and physical well-being of practitioners. If that really fascinates you, read this blog to explore the relationship amidst psychology and yoga and have a look at the mental health benefits of Yoga.
Also Read: 15 Relaxation Yoga Poses for Stress Relief
Benefits of Yoga According to Science:
In recent years, modern medicine and research have proven that practicing yoga is good for your mental as well as physical health.
In a study conducted by Harvard Health in 2009, it was studied that people who practiced yoga had a high tolerance for pain and were able to regulate their pain and stress responses. In addition, yoga works as a natural stress reliever, reduce blood pressure, and ease respiration.
How Yoga And Psychology are Related to Each Other?
Yoga is more than just holding poses and stretching. Yoga is a comprehensive practice encompassing numerous life principles, such as:
- Moral Code (Yama)
- Self-discipline (Niyama)
- Postures or poses (Asanas)
- Mindfulness of Breathing (Pranayama)
- Detachment from senses (Pratyahara)
- Concentration (Dharana)
- Meditation (Dhyanna)
- State of Rest (Savasana)
- Ecstasy (Samadhi)
10 Mental Benefits of Yoga:
1. Reduces Stress
Yoga reduces the secretion of cortisol (primary stress hormone) which reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It also helps in the improvement of mental health and quality of life. Yoga is a powerful way to keep stress in check.
Also Read: How Mindful Calligraphy Works As a Stress Reliever
2. Relieves Anxiety
I have seen many people practicing Yoga to cope with the anxiety. It is beneficial for women going through PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Yoga helps women to overcome fear of the traumatic event.
Yoga emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding a sense of peace which reduces anxiety.
Also Read: 11 Best Fidget Toys To Wipe Off Anxiety
3. Improves Quality Of Life
Nowadays, Yoga is common as an adjunct therapy in improving the quality of life for many people across the world. People who practice Yoga on an everyday basis have improved mood and fatigue levels.
Additionally, it has been observed that Yoga reduces post-chemotherapy symptoms like vomiting and nausea which improves the overall Quality of Life. Yoga improves the level of acceptance, relaxation, and invigoration. It is one of the common mental health benefits of yoga.
Also Read: How To Live Life By Staying True To Yourself
4. Fights Depression
Yoga has an anti-depressant effect and helps in reducing the symptoms and signs of depression. Yoga decreases the levels of cortisol (stress hormone). Yoga is effective for the people fighting with alcoholism and substance use. For Example, Sudarshan Kriya is a specific Yoga posture for rhythmic breathing.
It has been observed that Yoga is effective for reducing the levels of ACTH (the hormone responsible for the release of cortisol). Yoga helps to fight depression, in combination with the traditional methods of treatment or alone treatment.
5. Reduces Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a lingering issue affecting millions of population and has a range of probable causes, from injuries to arthritis. Therefore, Yoga can help in the reduction of many types of chronic pain.
Also Read: Best Relaxation Techniques To Combat Stress, Anxiety, and More
Additionally, Yoga improves the wrist splinting and grip strength. Yoga also helps in the improvement of knee osteoarthritis. Hence, the incorporation of yoga in daily routine is beneficial. It is one of the common mental health benefits of yoga.
6. Promotes Sleep Quality
Obesity, depression, high blood pressure results in poor sleep quality. However, the incorporation of yoga in daily life promotes better sleep. Yoga helps to fall asleep faster, sleep for long hours and feel more well-rested. Yoga decreases sleep disturbances, improves sleep quality and the need for medications to sleep.
Yoga increases the secretions of melatonin (a hormone that regulates wakefulness and sleep).
Also Read: 10 Symptoms Of Serotonin Deficiency That Must Be Checked
7. Improves Balance And Flexibility
Yoga improves balance and flexibility of the body. Yoga also helps in the reduction of overall body mass. Practicing yoga every day for 15-30 minutes makes a big difference for people who wants to enhance performance by increasing flexibility and balance.
Also Read: Exploring The Scientific and Spiritual Benefits of Pranayama
8. Relieves Migraines
Migraines are severe headaches affecting most of the population. Severe migraine symptoms can be relieved by yoga. Practicing yoga in everyday life can reduce headache frequency, pain, and intensity. Yoga stimulates the vagus nerve which relieves migraines.
9. Increases Mental Strength
Yoga improves flexibility and builds mental strength. Yoga encourages you to be self-effective and think about your strengths, limitations, dislikes, and preferences. Yoga reinforces the sense of self-control and focuses on setting commitments.
10. Introduces Positivity
Yoga is like vacuum cleaning your mind, mental hygiene. The impressions in the mind are erased, freeing it from unwanted emotional baggage, and brings out positive energy. It is one of the common mental health benefits of yoga.
Physical Benefits of Yoga:
According to Dr. Nevins, Yoga can reduce chronic pain, lower back pain. It also helps to maintain your blood pressure and reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
Some other physical benefits of Yoga are:
- Increases flexibility
- More productive
- More energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Sleep better
- Improves health
- Strengthens physically
- Can help to reduce weight
- Improve the respiration system
Hope you like this blog and this information helps. Do incorporate yoga in your daily routine to enjoy the mental health benefits of yoga. Follow Calm Sage for more such informational and motivational content.
Thanks for reading!
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About The Author
Aayushi Kapoor
Aayushi is a Content Creator at Calm Sage. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition. Her constant interest in the improvement of mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness embarked upon her career as a “full-time educational writer.” She likes to make an asynchronous connection with her readers. Her mantra for living life is "What you seek is seeking you".
Can you tell someone special yoga postures to improve mental health.
Yoga is my go-to exercise when I feel too stressed. It really helps!
Yes, it's true yoga is one of the most popular physical activities all over the world.
I do all these poses in my daily yoga routine. These are really helpful for me to have a healthy and happy life.
Great piece of writing with immensely informative contents! I really liked the writing style and the whole process of the story building. Waiting for more posts! Cheers!!