In recognition of mental health awareness month, I feel it’s necessary to share the ways in which yoga can transform one’s mental well-being. I can speak from experience when I say that yoga’s combination of meditation and breathwork has significantly improved my life. Anytime I’m not feeling aligned with my best self, I always end up back on the mat.
When you think of a yoga teacher or practitioner, do you think of a person who is always calm and has it all together? I’ll let you in on a little secret, we’re just like everyone else. There’s still plenty of “chatter in the skull” and figuring life out. According to Dr. Nevins, “Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.”
The following are just a few mental health benefits you can get from a regular yoga practice can improve your overall mental health.
1. Reduces stress hormones
Decreases sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response
A significant increase in serotonin levels
Mentally or physically unwind before bed
I encourage you to take on the challenge of practicing yoga on a regular basis, if that be asana, meditation or breathwork. Once you’ve given it a significant amount of time, take notice of how you feel. Do you feel more relaxed and at peace? If you’re looking to explore breathwork, check out my previous blog 4 Breathwork Techniques That Can Change Your Life – Mystikal Yogini.
