Yoga has been proven to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Learn about the different types of yoga that can benefit your overall mental health.
From childhood through adulthood, and especially during adolescence, taking care of your mental health is important during every stage of life. If left unchecked, mental health concerns can take a toll on your ability to function in daily life, negatively affecting your overall quality of life. Sometimes, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression can lead to more severe mental health conditions.
Although effective treatments are available for mental health disorders, such as talk therapy and medication, many people find it difficult to access treatment, with barriers ranging from cost to stigma. Alternative forms of therapy that do not require insurance allow people who are struggling to access care that can greatly benefit their mental health. One example is yoga. Different types of yoga, from hatha yoga to hot yoga, have been shown to improve mental wellness while promoting relaxation and reducing the symptoms of mental health conditions. Yoga is not only free from stigma, but it's also safe, easy to access, and available for everyone.
Whether you've been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or you're looking for ways to improve your overall mental wellness, yoga can help jumpstart your journey. In combination with mental health services, such as talk therapy, healthy lifestyle modifications like yoga can improve your mental health and quality of life.
Studies show that yoga practices encourage the brain to form new connections, promoting changes in brain structure and function. These changes can allow the brain to process emotions and experiences more calmly, as yoga tends to emphasize the importance of breathing through discomfort and staying focused on the now. Yoga also comes with several physical health benefits, from improving posture, relieving chronic pain, and lowering your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Some other research-backed mental health benefits of yoga include:
Although yoga practices and other healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting a better night’s sleep, can help you improve your mental health, it's important to remember that everyone is different.
Some people might need additional support to achieve good mental health—and that's completely normal. Meanwhile, some people with mental health conditions might find it challenging to find the motivation to practice yoga or attend yoga sessions, and others might have physical health conditions that limit their mobility.
Whether you're looking for additional support or alternative treatment options, some valuable resources include:
Whether you're struggling to cope with stress or navigating the symptoms of a mental health disorder, reaching out for professional help can feel overwhelming. Remember that seeking therapy isn't a sign of weakness, and that finding the right therapist can make all the difference in your quality of life and overall wellness.
At Charlie Health, we deliver accessible, evidence-based mental health treatment for adolescents, young adults, and their families. Our comprehensive intensive outpatient treatment program involves group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy to provide the support you need through every step of the healing process. Our team of mental health professionals will help you create a personalized treatment plan so you can grow into the best version of you.
Reaching out takes courage. We’re here to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and match you with an appropriate treatment plan.
Connect with licensed professionals today.
Call 1 (866) 491-5196