In the current fast-paced lives that we live, we barely get the time to stop and smell the roses. As a result, the stress of keeping up with the times takes a toll on our mental health. Unfortunately, due to the stigma and the lack of awareness, mental health is often neglected or ignored. Yoga for mental health helps relieve stress.
It gets difficult to find a trained and well-equipped therapist and even more difficult to ensure mental wellness. Thus, to help you in your quest, here is a list of a few easy Yoga poses for mental health.
You may normally feel exceptionally good after practicing yoga. It brings you mental peace and physically harmonizes your system.
Studies(1) have indicated that those suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder respond really well to Yoga.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Yoga and mental health are inter-related. Here are a few Science-backed mental health benefits of Yoga:
Here are a few highly effective yoga poses that can positively influence your mental health.
“Prana” translates to breathing or the vital energy force that keeps us alive, while “ayama” means to control. Hence, Pranayama literally means the exercise for the control of breath. On the other hand, Bhramari refers to the Indian Black Bee, which is called Bhramari.
Bhramari Pranayama helps in relieving stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It also helps in getting rid of anger and resultant hypertension and helps restore mental peace.
[Read: Yoga Poses for Stress]
Balasana, or child’s pose, is a rather comforting yoga asana that also tones your abs, improves digestion, and lower bloating! It is a resting yoga pose that is fairly easy but can also be challenging for some.
Balasana helps you overcome fatigue and stress. Since it boosts blood circulation, it also relaxes the body and brings down the intensity of anxiety and nervous jitters.
[Read: Yoga Poses for Depression]
In Sanskrit, Viparita Karani means “Opposite Action.” This yoga pose is a mild inversion pose where you put your legs up against the wall and hold the position for a while. Those who practice yoga on a regular basis can pull off a headstand in this yoga pose.
Viparita asana can help by offering relief from pain caused by chronic diseases. This pain contributes to bringing down your mental health. It regulates the flow of blood and calms down the anxiety. Additionally, it helps treat insomnia and depression.
[Read: Yoga for Anxiety Control]
Uttanasana literally translates to “Intense Stretching Pose.” Aptly named so, this yoga asana is famous for stretching out your body, especially your hamstrings, hips, and lower back. Let’s see how this yoga pose helps with your mental health.
The yoga pose relaxes the central nervous system and helps with calming anxiety. It de-stresses you, helps you sleep better, and overcomes fatigue.
[Read: Guided Meditation for Relaxation]
The Shavasana is an ideal pose to end your entire yoga session. It helps you meditate and unwind. Executing this asana is so simple that you do not need a yoga instructor for help or instruction.
Shavasana brings the body in a relaxed state, which is required when you get emotional. The yoga asana improves memory and concentration so you can focus on the task at hand.
So go ahead and practice these yoga positions to explore a whole new and positive mental headspace. Whether it is depression, anxiety, stress, or insomnia, regular practice of these yoga asanas can significantly improve your mental health.
Making yoga an integral part of your lifestyle can help you develop good habits and behavior that will enrich your life.
In fact, yoga is a natural remedy that will strengthen your mental and physical health and is required for your all-round development. Remember, just as you care about your physical wellbeing, you must also care for your mental wellness.
Thus, do not ignore your mental health, rather, give it the first priority. In addition to practicing yoga regularly, remember to stick to a healthy and balanced diet to supplement your efforts here.
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Here are the answers to the common FAQs in respect to the mental health benefits of yoga:
For Yoga to have a positive influence over your mental wellbeing, you must practice yoga for at least 30 minutes throughout the week. As you progress, you can extend it to an hour.
Early morning is the best time to practice yoga. It is normally advised that you perform the asanas on an empty stomach, in a quiet and comfortable place where you will have minimum distractions. When repeating the exercise, you can practice in the afternoon or evening before dinner.
The element of meditation offers a self-soothing mechanism that modulates the stress response by the body. As a result, the physiological arousal gets suppressed, which allows the individual to break out from the vicious cycle of stress and anxiety.