Regular yoga can give your mental health a boost
SELF-CARE isn’t always easy, and can easily slip in times of stress.
Like many of us, actor Gillian Anderson, inset, knows she could do more to take care of herself, but that doesn’t mean it always happens.
She recently told Instyle: “I have increased my meditation, which always helps. The next thing is to not just talk about doing yoga, but actually do yoga.”
Psychologist Dr Maryhan Baker says: “The benefits of yoga are well documented; whether it’s helping to maintain suppleness, flexibility, strength or core.
“Yet very few people know the incredible power yoga can have in supporting mental wellbeing.”
Here’s why you should make yoga part of your routine...
IT CAN HELP YOU FOCUS ON YOURSELF
“Even one yoga class can leave you feeling incredible,” says yoga and spiritual teacher Scott Hutchison-mcdade (positive changeyoga.com). “When we feel good, we tend to look after ourselves a little bit more.”
IT CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS
If you’re concerned about your mental health, speak to your GP, but beyond that, yoga can help ease stress levels.
Scott says yoga can “reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in our blood,” and notes breath-work is key,” he says.
Try a simple box-breathing technique: inhaling for three counts, holding your breath for three, exhaling for three and holding for three – all through the nose. “It’s great for anxiety – it really steadies everything that we are,” says Scott.
IT CAN FOSTER POSITIVE BODY IMAGE
Scott says yoga can encourage a more positive relationship with your body.
“It’s not about losing weight, it’s about that confidence – and that can really affect your mental health.”
IT CAN HELP YOU FEEL IN CONTROL
With Covid-related restrictions, it’s easy to feel out of control. Adopting a yoga routine could help, as a way to take charge of a small – but meaningful – part of your life.
Scott says: “Start small and gentle, go on Youtube and do a 5-10 minute gentle sequence.”