The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Any type of exercise is great for both physical and mental health. It boosts mood and reduces stress, while providing an outlet for emotions. 

There is no “best” type of working out. Whatever helps you stay consistent is ideal.

However, when you need to refocus and slow down, it’s a good idea to throw in some yoga in the mix. Let’s break down the components that make it such a great antidote to stress. 

Breathwork

Most yoga involves conscious breathing that aligns with the movements. Taking slower, deeper breaths helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This functions as your “de-stresser,” which reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and decreases the release of stress hormones. 

Mindfulness

Yoga is a great time to focus on the internal and external sensations of the body. You may notice some areas of extra tension that need to be stretched out, or simply enjoy how the movements feel. Many instructors also ask participants to consciously focus on their senses, such as the ground beneath their feet. Taking time to acknowledge these feelings helps to feel more present and often more focused.

Slow Movement

While running, weightlifting, and other intense movements are great for the body and mind, slowing it down every once in a while is also beneficial. Studies have shown the slow, controlled movement of yoga practice can provide measurable muscle relaxation post-yoga sessions, as well as increased activation in brain areas involved with emotional regulation. 

Where Do I Start?

Even 10-15 minutes of yoga can be beneficial to reducing stress, so start off with whatever feels most comfortable! There are millions of free videos online, and often many beginner in-person classes. 

Here are a few of our favourite channels that include different difficulty levels, lengths of practice, and emphasize breathing/mindfulness. 

Yoga With Adriene: http://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene

Jess Yoga: http://www.youtube.com/@JessicaRichburg

Yoga With Kassandra: http://www.youtube.com/@yogawithkassandra

For more tips about stress reduction, book a free consultation here. 

References:

Khajuria, A., Kumar, A., Joshi, D., & Kumaran, S. S. (2023). Reducing Stress with Yoga: A Systematic Review Based on Multimodal Biosignals. International Journal of Yoga, 16(3), 156–170. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_218_23