Yoga is practiced by more than 1.4 million Australians and by many millions more worldwide. A discipline that is thousands of years old, yoga has spiritual and philosophical roots. Many who practice it seek the physical benefits. There are also powerful benefits of yoga for your mental health.

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

Yoga can improve balance, flexibility, range of motion, and strength. It can also enhance mental health, although these benefits are harder to measure. According to many studies, yoga can:

 Release helpful brain chemicals. Most exercise triggers the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. These mood-boosting chemicals include brain messengers such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Although yoga movements are slow and controlled, they still elevate your heart rate, make the muscles work hard, and stimulate the release of brain chemicals. As a result, yoga can make you happier.

 ‌‌Relieve depression

Studies show that yoga can ease depression. Researchers have found that yoga is comparable to other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy. Yoga is usually inexpensive and doesn't cause the same side effects as many medicines. It can even benefit those with major depressive disorder. The use of yoga for depression needs more study because there aren't very many controlled trials.  

Reduce stress

When Americans answered a survey about why they practiced yoga, 86% of them said that it helped to deal with stress. The tightening and relaxing of muscles can reduce tension. You may also benefit from the peaceful atmosphere, calming music, and positive attitude that you will find in most yoga classes. 

Ease anxiety

 Yoga can improve anxiety. The breath training included in yoga may be especially effective, as there is a relationship between anxiousness and breathing problems. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, yoga may not help. Still, some psychologists are using yoga to supplement other forms of therapy.  

Improve sleep

Research suggests that yoga can improve sleep. This may be especially true for older adults. In one study of yoga participants over the age of 60, participants reported an increase in both the quality and quantity of their sleep. They also increased their sleep efficiency, which measures the percentage of time in bed actually spent sleeping.

Enhance social life

If you attend an in-person yoga class, you may benefit from interacting with others in your group. Social ties can positively affect both mental and physical health. Also, acting in unison with others, sometimes called synchrony, carries unique social benefits. Moving and breathing at the same time as others can give you a sense of belonging and promote bonding with the group.

 Promote other healthy habits

If you practice yoga, you may be more likely to choose more wholesome foods. Yoga may also be a gateway to other types of physical activity. Exposure to other health-minded people can inspire you to make other positive lifestyle changes.

 Besides these benefits, yoga may be beneficial for those trying to lose weight, stop smoking, and manage chronic disease. Of course, your results may vary. Your outcome can depend upon your attitude, the quality of your instruction, and the type of yoga being practiced. ‌

How to Use Yoga to Improve Your Mental Health

The best way to learn yoga is with a qualified teacher, either in a studio or in a private session. A yoga teacher can correct your poses and show you how to modify them if necessary. You can use blocks, straps, and other items to make some poses easier. You can even do yoga in a chair instead of on the floor.

Yoga offers a wealth of benefits, not only for your body but also for your mind. As we've explored, practicing yoga can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, alleviating depression, easing anxiety, and even enhancing sleep. Whether you're seeking a way to boost your mood, improve your physical health, or connect with a supportive community, yoga has something for everyone. By practicing regularly with experienced instructors, like those at This Is Yoga Sydney, you'll find it easier to incorporate this ancient practice into your modern lifestyle. So, why not take the first step today? Your mind and body will thank you.

Original Article: WebMD