6 health benefits of yoga

The prevalence of mental health issues garnered significant attention in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people acknowledged lockdowns and other restrictions and uncertainties were adversely affecting their thoughts and outlook Though those restrictions were ultimately lifted and life returned to something closer to normal for people across the globe, mental health has remained both a hot topic and a concern.

The organization Mental Health America® reports that, as of 2022, just under 20 percent of adults in the United States are experiencing a mental illness. The issue of mental health is perhaps an even bigger concern in Canada, where a 2022 report from the Angus Reid Institute noted one in three Canadians indicated they are struggling with their mental health

Such statistics are troubling, though increased public dialogue surrounding mental health has done much to remove the stigma long attached to conditions such as depression and anxiety That stigma affected certain groups more than others, including women In fact, a 2017 report from the United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation indicated that women are three times more likely than men to experience common mental health problems And that problem is worsening, as the MHF notes that women were two times more likely to experience such issues as recently as 1993

Learning the developing signs of mental health issues may compel women to take action more quickly Prompt treatment can increase the likelihood that women overcome mental health issues, which could lead to more positive short- and long-term results The American Psychiatric Association® notes that it can be useful to contact a mental health professional if several of the following symptoms are occurring.

• An unusual drop in functioning at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.

• Mental health issues can contribute to problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech These problems can be hard to explain

• A heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch Some people even avoid over-stimulating situations

• Mental health issues may contribute to apathy marked by a loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity

• Some people experience a vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality also may develop

• Illogical thinking is another potential sign of an emerging mental health issue This thinking many involve unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events Adults may exhibit an illogical or “magical” thinking that is more typical of a child than an adult

• A sense of nervousness characterized by a fear or suspicion of others. A strong nervous feeling also may be present

• Some people with mental illness exhibit odd, uncharacteristic or peculiar behavior

• A change in school or work marked by increased absenteeism, worsening performance and/or difficulties in relationships with peers and coworkers

Data indicates women are more likely to experience mental illness than men That makes recognition of mental health symptoms an especially significant component of personal health care for women across the globe re you ready for warrior pose? Have you engaged in downward dog today? You no doubt understand these questions if you have an even cursory knowledge of yoga

AAre you ready for warrior pose? Have you engaged in downward dog today? You no doubt understand these questions if you have an even cursory knowledge of yoga.

Yoga is an ancient, ascetic Hindu discipline comprised of controlled breathing, body positions and meditation The goal of yoga is to attain a deep state of tranquility and spiritual insight While people may be quick to associate yoga with popular poses, it’s the complete package of breathing and reflection that does wonderful things for the mind and body

Johns Hopkins Medicine says yoga can benefit people of all ages It can help the healthy, but also can be utilized to treat people recovering from illness or surgery or those living with a chronic condition While the scientific research into yoga’s health benefits is preliminary and not extensive, certain trends have emerged

1 Improves flexibility: According to Yoga Journal, even the lowest intensity styles of yoga have been shown to increase flexibility Yoga is especially helpful for adults ages 65 and older, helping to slow age-related loss of flexibility

Yoga is an ancient, ascetic Hindu discipline comprised of controlled breathing, body positions and meditation. The goal of yoga is to attain a deep state of tranquility and spiritual insight. While people may be quick to associate yoga with popular poses, it’s the complete package of breathing and reflection that does wonderful things for the mind and body. Johns Hopkins Medicine says yoga can benefit people of all ages. It can help the healthy, but also can be utilized to treat people recovering from illness or surgery or those living with a chronic condition. While the scientific research into yoga’s health benefits is preliminary and not extensive, certain trends have emerged.

2 Brain boost: Gray matter in the brain can diminish as people get older However, according to a 2015 study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no relationship between gray matter and age among yoga practitioners In fact, yoga participants showed

1. Improves flexibility: According to Yoga Journal, even the lowest intensity styles of yoga have been shown to increase flexibility. Yoga is especially helpful for adults ages 65 and older, helping to slow age-related loss of flexibility.

2. Brain boost: Gray matter in the brain can diminish as people get older. However, according to a 2015 study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no relationship between gray matter and age among yoga practitioners. In fact, yoga participants showed increased volume in certain brain regions commensurate with the number of years of yoga experience and practice increased volume in certain brain regions commensurate with the number of years of yoga experience and practice.

3. Back pain relief: Yoga poses can help alleviate pain in various regions of the body, notably the lower back The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain

3. Back pain relief: Yoga poses can help alleviate pain in various regions of the body, notably the lower back. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain.

4. Alleviate joint pain: Johns Hopkins Medicine says gentle yoga can alleviate some of the discomfort of arthritis, particularly tender, swollen joints

4. Alleviate joint pain: Johns Hopkins Medicine says gentle yoga can alleviate some of the discomfort of arthritis, particularly tender, swollen joints.

5. Improved mental health: A 2017 meta-analysis of 23 interventions looking at yoga to alleviate depressive symptoms overwhelmingly indicated yoga can be an effective alternative treatment for major depressive disorder MDD is thought to be one of the most common mental health disorders in the world

6 Reduced inflammation: A study published in 2018 in Biological Research for Nursing determined yoga is a viable intervention to reduce inflammation across a multitude of chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, and cancer

5. Improved mental health: A 2017 metaanalysis of 23 interventions looking at yoga to alleviate depressive symptoms overwhelmingly indicated yoga can be an effective alternative treatment for major depressive disorder. MDD is thought to be one of the most common mental health disorders in the world.

6. Reduced inflammation: A study published in 2018 in Biological Research for Nursing determined yoga is a viable intervention to reduce inflammation across a multitude of chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. In addition to these health benefits, yoga can help tame stress, reduce pain, improve quality of sleep, and even boost immunity. Individuals are urged to start gradually in basic level yoga classes and slowly increase intensity as they grow more comfortable.

In addition to these health benefits, yoga can help tame stress, reduce pain, improve quality of sleep, and even boost immunity Individuals are urged to start gradually in basic level yoga classes and slowly increase intensity as they grow more comfortable

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