Do you know there are 36 million Americans who take part in yoga? When it comes to around the world, there are even millions more who practice this meditation technique. Yoga is said to have derived from India around 5,000 years ago and is described as a physical exercise that combines physical postures with breathing methods and relaxation. The whole goal here is not only to work the body but also to promote better well-being and mental health overall. Due to its benefits, many retirement communities like Discovery Village At Tampa Palms do encourage loved ones to take part in yoga. As such, here’s how yoga helps to improve
Release ‘Feel-Good’ Hormones
Even though most yoga movements are slow and controlled, that does not mean the body does not work up a sweat. In fact, the heart rate does increases as you perform the yoga postures, especially those that are quite complex. As the body gradually works hard, there’s increased production of the hormones, dopamine, and serotonin. These two brain chemicals help to make your loved ones feel happier, more relaxed, and satisfied. This is why many medical personnel would recommend exercising as a way to counter any negative mental health conditions.
Relieve Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions faced by adults around the world, and older adults are not exempted from it as well. Depression can be extremely severe as it can cause a number of symptoms that disrupt daily living, such as loss of interest to do anything, more prone to anger outbursts, loss of appetite, and many more. While there are medications to treat depression, a simple and more holistic approach to relieving depression is to practice yoga. Aside from being an inexpensive exercise, yoga can be practiced anywhere as long as the environment is tranquil and quiet. This serenity allows the mind to calm down and be more mindful of its surroundings.
Reduce Stress Levels
Since yoga takes place in a calming environment, this helps to relax the mind and reduce any tension on the muscles. Most of the time, soothing music is being played, so your loved ones can take this time to unwind as well. While there is no scientific evidence that yoga does relieve stress, it is almost a no-brainer considering that yoga postures are designed to promote stress relief through increased flexibility, focus, and balance.
Ease Anxiety
Everyone has anxiety. It is our bodies’ natural response to feeling worried or uneasy over a certain situation or outcome. If your loved ones find themselves constantly feeling on edge and overwhelmed, yoga may help to ease their anxiousness and promote effective calming techniques through breathing. However, this does not apply to loved ones who suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is a more severe condition that causes people to have anxiety attacks, which impedes their lives. In such cases, yoga should not be used as a sole method to improve their mental health. Instead, yoga can simply provide temporary ways to calm the mind.
