The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga: Why You Should Start Today

Yoga is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years, combining three elements: body, mind, and spirit, to achieve harmony and balance. It includes specific physical exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation.

Today, yoga is widely practiced to improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

On International Yoga Day, Nadormagazine spoke with psychologist Vanessa Haddad to learn about the impact of yoga on mental health.

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga for mental health are invaluable, including:

Reducing Anxiety and Stress:

Studies show that regular yoga lowers cortisol levels—the stress hormone. Deep breathing and meditation calm the sympathetic nervous system, leading to less anxiety and more relaxation.

Supporting Depression Treatment:

Yoga can help in mild to moderate depression. Simple movements and mindful breathing increase hormones like serotonin and endorphins, improving mood and emotional comfort.

Enhancing Focus and Attention:

Meditation and breathing exercises improve brain function, boosting concentration, memory, and attention. This helps reduce mental distractions and symptoms of ADHD.

Increasing Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem:

Yoga creates a safe space to listen to your body, notice your emotions, and accept yourself as you are. Regular practice deepens your connection with yourself, boosting confidence and self-respect.

Why Start Yoga Today?

On International Yoga Day, take a moment to reflect on your mental needs. Do you feel anxious? Need to calm your mind? Crave a break from stress? Yoga isn’t just exercise—it’s an inner journey toward peace and acceptance. Best of all, you can practice it at home without complex equipment.

Tips to Begin Practicing Yoga

Start simple: You don’t need to be flexible or experienced. Many beginner-friendly classes are available on YouTube.
Choose the right time: Dedicate 10 to 20 minutes daily when you feel relaxed and calm.
Focus on breathing: Don’t worry about perfect poses. Proper breathing is the essence of yoga.
Practice mindfully, not competitively: Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s body and journey are unique.
Use trusted apps or videos: There are excellent platforms to guide you step-by-step.

A Specialist’s Advice on International Yoga Day

Give yourself a gift today: a moment of silence, a deep breath, and a mindful movement. Amid life’s pressures, mood swings, and responsibilities, yoga remains your gateway back to yourself—your center and your deep calm.

Remember, mental well-being doesn’t mean the absence of problems but having internal tools to handle them flexibly and peacefully, without harming your health. Yoga is one of the most powerful tools.

Start today with a small step—make yoga part of your daily self-care routine.