The practice of yoga has existed for thousands of years. Most people put more emphasis on the benefits of yoga concerning the physical health of the body such as improved flexibility, muscle relaxation, and general body fitness. However, there is more to yoga than the physiological benefits; yoga has lots and many psychological benefits to the body as well. Today we will look at the impact of yoga on cognitive, psychological, and mental well-being.
Yoga helps with reducing depression
The practice of yoga involves various body asanas or postures that are intended to bring about muscle relaxation. During yoga sessions, the body is subjected to exercises, breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. The range of exercises increases the blood circulation in the body, helps muscles to relax and give people calmness of the mind. Once the mind is calm, the anxiety level reduces so does the depression that comes with it.
Yoga enables you to concentrate and improve your memory
If there is a better way to increase your levels of concentration, then it is through yoga. Yoga will help you to stay focused and improve your memory. This can be achieved through the practice of Dharana. Meditation and concentration go hand in hand when it comes to yoga. Through these practices, you will clear your mind of any worries and will stay focused on your course. This level of concentration is necessary, as it will help you to stay focused, and have a sharper memory amidst the distractions that come along with daily life.
Yoga can help you through a traumatic experience
Life is full of surprises and events that are sometimes beyond our control. Be it the loss of a loved one or an accident that has left you paralyzed, be it sexual abuse or military experience, all these are traumatic experiences that need to be taken care of. In as much as there are medical prescriptions to help you through the stress associated with the trauma (PTSD), they are not fully effective to help your body and mind to heal quickly. Yoga practice will give a new perspective of viewing life; it will give you the peace of mind that you so much deserve. You need to attend a yoga session so that you are able to meditate, relax your body, and concentrate on what truly matters for yourself.
Yoga improves your mental well-being
As we have come to realize, you cannot practice yoga without engaging your mind since yoga needs the mind-body connection to be really effective. This means that the mind needs to be in its very best state and as such, yoga is very important for our mental well-being. Through the practice of yoga asana, pranayama, dhyana, and meditation, the body is able to get rid of anxiety and stress. It will also help your mind to stay calm, focused and healthy especially when you practice pranayama (oxygen is food to the mind).
Yoga reduces the symptoms of psychiatric disorders
Studies have shown that yoga can help to reduce the symptoms of various psychiatric disorders. Lots of patients who suffer from bipolar disorder reported a reduced level of anger, anxiety, tension, and hostility after going through a session of yoga practice. Kripalu Yoga is known to bring relaxation to the body and mind through a series of breathing patterns, meditation, and body postures. Hence, yoga reduces the symptoms of psychiatric disorders.