The Balanced Mind & Benefits of Yoga for the Mind
Yoga helps calm the body? Our autonomic nervous system controls our body’s responses, from the sympathetic reactions (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic responses (rest and restore).
Research has observed what happens during these responses. In each breath, millions of sensory receptors are activated in the respiratory system that sends signals to your brain through your nervous system. The faster your breath is due to stress or anxiety, the more negative sensations are sent to your brain.
A balanced mindset is all about developing a conscious mentality and an optimistic viewpoint that supports the thought that everything is working in your favor. No matter what happens, things will work out for you sooner or later, and this is called being “Mindful.”
Mindfulness is an act that starts with self-awareness of your thought patterns. You keep good thoughts with you and believe in them. Also, being mindful is a practice of letting go. Let go of negative thoughts that keep you stuck in some feelings like – self-criticism and harsh self-judgment.
It can be not easy at times, especially at the initial stage, but following yogi lifestyle habits will help you become more self-aware and mindful:
How Yoga Meditation and Deep Breathing can help?
Yoga helps you cultivate self-observation and self-awareness skills, because of which you are slowly able to separate yourself from your thought process.
Now the million-dollar question is – How?
At a three-month yoga and meditation retreat, Dr. Cahn and his colleagues worked with some attendees. 98 of the 200 individuals (male and female) agreed to take part in tests that measured specific biomarkers. The participants at this retreat practiced daily meditation and Yoga, and they ate a vegetarian diet.
After evaluating factors like Mindfulness and Cortisol Awakening Response, the researchers discovered that participation in the retreat’s yoga and meditation practices was linked to lower anxiety and depression levels and increased mindfulness, as reported by the participants.
“From a biological standpoint, the researchers observed a rise in BDNF plasma levels as well as a strengthened CAR, implying greater stress resistance.”
Stress, anxiety, and depression are a few of the psychological disorders that are taking their toll on a larger part of the population. Yogic asanas and pranayams are said to provide benefits to people suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression.
The practice of yoga has an array of benefits for our bodies and mind.
So, that’s how Yoga can impact your mental health. Now, let’s take a look at some medical health benefits of Yoga for the mind as well:
4 Health Benefits of Yoga for the Mind
- Enhances Focus and Cognitive Brain Functioning
The majority of yoga types concentrate on learning asanas with breath control. This constant involvement to balance asana and breath during practice requires mental awareness, and thus, a regular yogi will continuously have increased cognitive function.
- Improves Self-Esteem
According to new research published in the journal Body Image – regular yoga practice can help people appreciate their bodies. They found a link between increased body appreciation and a rise in trait mindfulness.
- Improves Mood and Reduces Anxiety Attacks
Letting go of anxiety and fear can be assisted by meditation, visualization, and focusing on breathing. Post-yoga meditation practice, the relaxation response ( or release of endorphins) allows the body and mind to feel calm and at ease. Thus, this helps to enhance your mood and reduce panic attacks.
- Improves Posture and Body Awareness
Your posture improves as you become stronger and more flexible. Because your core muscles are required to support and hold each position, most standing and sitting yoga poses improve core strength. You’ll be more inclined to sit and stand “tall” if your core is stronger. Thus, Yoga can also help you become more aware of your body.
So, now as you have learned all about the health benefits of Yoga for the mind. Would you like to be a part of our vinyasa yoga bali? – If yes, then click here to read more!