If you are feeling a bit flat or low this time of year you might want to consider taking up, or re-taking up the Practise of Yoga.
Yoga is a great mood enhancer. Like all forms of exercise, yoga releases hormones that help ease feelings of stress that often lead to feeling low or depressed. When you are active your mind is moved away from negative thoughts, this “time out” allows you to gain a greater and clearer perspective on the problems you are facing and approach them from a calmer perspective. People who are depressed, or feeling “down”, often lack the motivation to exercise. That’s why yoga can be such a great option.A yoga routine doesn’t have to be a drive to the gym, or going to a class, you can do as little or as much as you want and reap the benefits.. Yoga makes you feel good.
A word of warning; if you have any concerns about your health, please consult a doctor BEFORE starting ANY new exercise programme. The following is for information purposes only and IS NOT to take the place of professional advice.
When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to think positively. People who are depressed often lack the concentration to detach themselves from their thoughts. Hatha Yoga is similar to a “moving meditation”, so it is easier to take your mind away from negative thoughts. Our essential inner nature can be blocked by negative thoughts. Apathy, despair, doubt, hopelessness and sleeping too much or too little are all signs of depression that must be addressed. Yoga is designed to bring you closer to your inner truth, naturally helping with some of the symptoms of depression. With a focus on balance, yoga can help to restore mental stability. Yoga makes you feel good.
The connection between mind, body and spirit that indicates people can beat the blues with yoga. No other form of exercise alone can achieve these same benefits. Certain Asana yoga postures can influence your mood and help to relieve depression. Asana postures can help increase low energy levels and relieve lethargy. They are also helpful in opening lung capacity to allow more oxygen to reach all parts of your body, and even your mood.
Yoga makes you feel good because of the calming effects it has on the nervous system. Proper breathing techniques is an important element to practicing yoga, as these can help curb your anxiety and quiet your thoughts, allowing you to concentrate on positive rather than negative energies. As you learn more about yoga, you’ll come to understand the connection between your mind and your emotions, and you’ll find that they can help each other.
Even performing the most basic yoga routines can help lift your spirits. While not physically demanding like other forms of exercise, yoga will make you feel much better at the end of a session. Try it and you’ll find that yoga makes you feel good.
If you have enjoyed this also take a look at other articles, alternate nostril breathing, the cat pose.
If you are interested in Meditation my FREE MEDITATION COURSE is an excellent way to begin your journey!
