Exploring Mental Wellness through Yoga: Unveiling its Might
Mental health impacts us all, whether it's stress from work or relationships, or dealing with feelings of isolation. Even small events can have a big impact, especially for those prone to anxiety or depression.Let's discuss mental health and what we can do to promote and maintain good mental health.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as more than the absence of mental disorders, existing on a complex continuum that varies from one person to the next. As we strive to bring mental health issues to the forefront, conversations about mental health are happening in boardrooms, dining rooms, offices, and homes. Leaders are working to bring mental health solutions to their organizations, knowing it's the right thing to do and it will positively impact their business.
For the next month, we will be sharing weekly articles to help better our minds through various positive activities. Here are a few suggestions we will cover in detail over the next few weeks:
- Practice Self-care
- Stay Connected
- Manage Stress
- Garden
- Talk to someone
- Get into a sleep routine
- Exercise
- Practice Yoga
Out of these activities, we will first focus on yoga.
Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, promotes physical and mental well-being and started as a spiritual practice before becoming popular. Yoga takes on various structures depending on location, intention, and culture but generally focuses on asana (physical poses), pranayama (breathwork), and dhyana (meditation).
Practicing yoga is a constant journey and does not have one-size-fits-all requirements. Shanti Toya Ashram, a popular yoga retreat center and studio in Bali, Indonesia, defines yoga as a practice aimed at self-reflection, controlling the breath, achieving deep relaxation, and growing through meditation. Continuously engaging in a yoga practice will result in improved mental, emotional, and physical health.
When starting yoga, it's essential to recognize that everyone's practice will look different, and that's the beauty of yoga. As time passes, the mind and body grow through this practice, resulting in greater awareness, openness, and grounding within one's physical being.
Yoga's unique ability to affect mood is another powerful reason it helps with mental health. It elevates levels of GABA (associated with better mood and decreased anxiety), reduces activity in the limbic system (the brain's emotional center), and encourages slow, deep breathing, resulting in greater calmness and reduced emotional reactivity.
Don't hesitate to give yoga a try and see the numerous benefits it can provide for yourself. Find a community at a local studio, and begin your journey to self-discovery and mental well-being.
- The practice of yoga, an ancient method originating from Indian philosophy, plays a significant role in promoting both physical and mental well-being, making it an effective means to enhance mental health.
- Beyond the physical benefits, yoga also impacts mood positively, as it increases GABA levels associated with a better mood and decreased anxiety, reduces activity in the limbic system, and encourages calm breathing.
- As gardening is another activity mentioned for promoting mental health, it might be beneficial to explore the connection between horticulture and mental health, as both activities, like yoga and other practices on the list such as exercise, meditation, and self-care, offer ways to maintain and improve overall mental health and well-being.
