Many people see Yoga as just an exercise to help you become more flexible, build strength and improve your physical health.
However, beyond these physical benefits, Yoga can also play a positive role on your mental well-being.
Therefore, in this article, we will consider what Yoga entails and some of the benefits that Yoga can have on your mental health.
What is Yoga?
The term ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘union’ or ‘bind’. It is a practice that originated from India.
Yoga combines physical poses, meditation techniques and breathing exercises which benefits both the mind and the body.
These physical movements or poses in Yoga helps to improve your body flexibility. On the other hand, the meditation and breathing exercises in Yoga improve your brain and mental health. This is why Yoga is called a mind-body exercise i.e both your mind and your body benefits.
It is also a good physical activity that can help in reducing blood pressure, back pain, etc.
Yoga is recognized as one of the most popular physical practices in the world today. A 2024 survey revealed that in the US alone, 35 million people practice yoga regularly.
Yoga sessions/classes are usually led by yoga trainers or teachers whether in a group or individual yoga session.
What to Expect in a Yoga Session?
Yoga is s a combination of different types of activities. They include:
- Yoga Poses or Movements: These are physical movements that helps you build strength and flexibility. Some Yoga poses are:
- Planks,
- Chair pose,
- Mountain pose,
- Triangle pose, etc.
There are several yoga poses that can be found online which you can practice even at home.
- Breathing Exercises/ Yogic Breathing – This is an important part of Yoga where you practice breathing techniques which matches your physical movements.
- Yoga Meditation: Here, meditation is paired alongside physical yoga practices. It involves focusing on a particular object, mantra or activity with the aim of clearing your mind.
These meditations are usually done at the end of a yoga session.
ALSO READ: 10 Amazing Benefits of Meditation on Your Mental and Physical Health
What to Bring When Attending a Yoga Class.
Whether you are taking a public or private yoga class or even doing it in your home, there are certain items you must prepare especially if you are a beginner. Some of them are
- A yoga mat,
- A water bottle filled with warm water,
- Comfortable and loose clothes,
- Towels or face wipes, etc.
6 Major Benefits of Yoga on Your Mental Health
- Yoga reduces depression: Participating in a Yoga session is a recognized way to reduce depression. According to research, Yoga can be a mental health treatment just like therapy.
- It reduces anxiety: Doing Yoga can make you feel less anxious. Yoga is a focused-based activity which combines physical movements, breathing techniques and meditation etc.
When you find yourself anxious or constantly worrying, participating in a yoga session can calm your mind and help you let go of your anxieties.
- It boosts your mood: Practicing Yoga can improve your mood and make you happy. When you practice yoga, your body releases chemicals like Dopamine, Serotonin which can boost your mood and make you feel lighter and happier.
- Yoga can help you relieve stress: When you find it hard to cope with the demands of work and life, taking a yoga class is a self-care practice you should consider.
The calm and positive environment of yoga classes combined with several yoga poses will help you calm your mind and reduce the tension in your body.
- Yoga strengthens your brain muscles: When you practice yoga, your mental capacity improves. Whether its your memory or thinking skills, Yoga has a positive effect.
It sharpens your mind and helps you think clearly. Studies have shown that people who do yoga regularly have a sharper mind and improved memory compared to people who don’t.
So, Yoga is not just an activity that improves your physical flexibility but also your mind.
- Yoga helps you sleep better: Like any other exercise, doing yoga regularly can help you sleep better and reduce insomnia.
According to Healthline, taking Yoga classes can improve your sleep quality and quantity.
Register for Our Yoga Class in Lagos
Starting a yoga habit is a good way to take care of your mental and physical health at the same time.
To help you take the first step on building a yoga habit, register here for our upcoming soiree where several self-care practices including yoga would be organized.
This event will take place on 5th October 2024. It will hold between the hours of 4pm-6pm at the Happiness Center, 320 Akin Ogunlewe street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Register here to attend.