BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj' meaning 'Union', Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices in the forms of breathing exercises and asanas or postures, chants, and meditation that originated in ancient India. Today International Yoga Day is being celebrated with great aplomb throughout the world. Let's see how practising Yoga will benefit you both physically and mentally.

Find your balance

In today's world, the modern-day lifestyle of humans has become strenuous and filled with physical and psychological stress. Humans often struggle to find their balance and fall prey to sedentary life. That is where Yoga comes to the rescue, to help one find their footing and gain balance by alleviating the physical and mental stress. Yoga is a multidisciplinary practice that unifies peace within the body, mind, and nature. It is not only a great form of exercise but also a form of mental healing.

Benefits of yoga for physical health

Practising Yoga has a positive impact on physical health as the Asanas help increase flexibility, boosts metabolism, strengthens the core. Yoga helps to reduce weight, improves the respiratory system, helps with energy, productivity, and helps you sleep better, reduces inflammation, and increases heart health. Along with the physical benefits, Yoga helps you find a balance and aids mental health.

Benefits of yoga for mental health

Yoga as a comprehensive practice focuses on Mind-body connection and will show you how it is beneficial for mental health.

Reduces stress:

The quintessential practice of Yoga promotes relaxation. Studies show that Yoga helps to reduce the secretion of cortisol (primary stress hormone), and as a result, reduce stress.

Relives anxiety:

Yoga highlights the importance of finding peace at the moment by being calm and present. That helps with the feeling and state of anxiety. Research has shown that practising Yoga significantly lowers anxiousness. In another study, Yoga practice helped in reducing the symptoms of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) in women who experienced traumatic events.

Anti-depressant properties:

Yoga reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone it sometimes mimics the effect of anti-depressants. In some studies, it has shown to lower the symptoms of depression in participants with addiction and substance abuse.

Teaches patience:

With the help of various poses, postures and breathing exercises, Yoga teaches you to be patient and channel peace and mindfulness.

Improves focus and raises awareness:

If you are someone who struggles to focus on certain daily tasks and gets distracted easily, Yoga is key for you to achieve the ability to complete your tasks efficiently with utmost Focus. Yoga requires you to be present and focus on your balance while doing specific poses and breathing exercises, and as a result, you gain awareness and a heightened sense of gratitude.

Improves quality of life:

For many people, Yoga is becoming increasingly popular as an adjunct therapy to improve quality of life. With its physical and mental health benefits, Yoga also acts as a community-building activity and provides a social opportunity, a way to combat depressive withdrawals.

One must understand that Yoga is a form of exercise and should be done with proper instructions and possibly under supervision. Even though it has widely recognised physical and mental health benefits, it is in no way an alternative to traditional medicinal practices. In case of physical injury or mental health issues, it is advisable to consult the respective professionals.

Let's come together, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, and start our journey to practice mindfulness and Find Our Balance in today's world, full of uncertainties.

You can practice Yoga to secure good health, but you cannot predict an accidental health crisis. In such a case, you can only feel secure with a good health insurance plan. Amongst numerous health insurance providers, Kotak General Insurance provides you with a diverse selection of health care plans for any unforeseen medical emergency. Buy health insurance to have a comprehensive cover for both you and your family against various life-threatening illnesses.

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