It is well known and scientifically proven* that practicing yoga regularly can provide numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This discipline helps us reconnect with ourselves while developing greater concentration and control over both body and mind.

It is well known and scientifically proven* that practicing yoga regularly can provide numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This discipline helps us reconnect with ourselves while developing greater concentration and control over both body and mind.

Although it is not intended to replace mental health treatment, yoga is undoubtedly a valuable and effective complement. Practicing it provides a sense of calm and well-being that encourages people to continue. At first it may seem challenging, as the different "asanas," or postures, are not always easy and often require a certain level of physical fitness. However, one of the greatest aspects of yoga is that everyone can progress at their own pace, doing only what their body is ready to handle. Consistency is the key.

As mentioned above, yoga offers many benefits, but below we highlight those that contribute to our mental and emotional well-being: contribuyen con nuestra salud mental y emocional:

1. Reduces stress: Through regular yoga practice, we train our minds because the postures require a high level of concentration and awareness. Throughout this process, cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases, the brain receives more oxygen, and mental clarity improves.
2. Helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety: Yoga focuses on the present moment and encourages us to let go of distressing emotions as well as anxiety about an uncertain future. In addition, studies* have shown that yoga naturally increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. Healthy levels of this substance help calm brain activity and suppress excessive nerve impulses, benefiting people with highly active nervous systems who frequently experience tension, insomnia, stress, anxiety, or depression.
3. Helps regulate thoughts and emotions: People who practice yoga regularly learn to truly connect with themselves. They develop the ability to remain still, calm, and focused. This allows them to become more aware of what is happening in their bodies, as well as the thoughts and emotions they experience. Over time, practitioners learn to recognize thoughts that disturb their inner peace and instead cultivate those that promote well-being and serenity. They also learn to accept and manage negative emotions so that these gradually lose their influence over mental balance.
4. Promotes a sense of peace and fulfillment: During the meditation practiced in yoga, the brain releases oxytocin, often called the "happiness" or "love hormone," along with melatonin and serotonin. These substances help regulate stress, mood, appetite, and sleep, contributing to deeper, more restorative rest.

There are many different styles of yoga suitable for people of all ages, and it can even be practiced from the comfort of your own home. There are no excuses not to give it a try!

#EveryoneForMentalHealth

*References:

Sharma, V.K., Das, S., Mondal, S., Goswami, U., & Gandhi, A. (2005)
Effect of Sahaj Yoga on depressive disorders. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology

Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., & Richardson, J. (2005)
Yoga for depression: The research evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders

Shapiro, D., Cook, I.A., Daydov, D.M., Ottaviani, C., Leuchter, A.F., & Abrams, M. (2007)
Yoga as a complementary treatment of depression: Effects of traits and moods on treatment outcome. Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine