yoga for Mental Health in grange, brisbane
In an increasingly hectic and fast-paced world, our mental health often takes a backseat amidst the numerous demands of everyday life. However, discovering lasting peace, stress relief, and emotional well-being can be achieved through the practice of yoga. Originating from ancient Indian traditions, evidence-based research has since proven yoga to be an effective tool in holistic mental wellness - particularly as an adjunct to treatment - promoting relaxation, self-reflection, and personal growth. Nearly 80% of yoga students report practicing yoga for mental health reasons.
How does yoga help support mental health?
1. Cultivating Mindfulness
At the core of yoga lies the cultivation of mindfulness - a state of heightened awareness and conscious presence. By focusing on breath control, postures, and meditation during yoga sessions, practitioners anchor themselves in the present moment, effectively soothing anxious or racing thoughts. This promotes more robust mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.
2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Regular practice of yoga has been shown to significantly decrease stress and anxiety levels. Deep breathing techniques utilised in yoga stimulate the body's relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Postures that provide gentle stretching and release of built-up tension in the body further aid in calming the mind and alleviating anxious feelings. Over time, yoga empowers individuals to manage stressors more effectively, leading to improved mental resilience.
3. Emotional Regulation
Yoga is a powerful practice for building emotional resilience and self-regulation skills. By exploring challenging poses and breathing techniques, practitioners learn to navigate their emotional terrain, observe and accept their feelings without judgment, and respond with composure rather than react impulsively. This increased emotional intelligence fosters a sense of inner peace and empowers individuals to deal with life's inevitable ups and downs more constructively.
4. Improved Sleep Quality
As anyone who has struggled with sleepless nights knows, a lack of quality sleep can have numerous detrimental effects on mental health. Yoga effectively promotes better sleep by calming the nervous system, relaxing the body, and quieting the mind. Incorporating gentle yoga sequences or deep relaxation techniques into a bedtime routine can improve sleep quality and quantity, leading to enhanced overall mental well-being.
5. Enhanced Self-Awareness and Acceptance
Yoga encourages us to tune into our bodies, minds, and emotions, fostering heightened self-awareness. As we become more attuned to our physical sensations and mental patterns, we can identify sources of stress, discomfort, or negativity more easily. This self-awareness allows us to make conscious choices, recognize harmful thought patterns, and cultivate self-compassion, leading to improved mental health and increased self-acceptance.
Where can I practice Yoga for Mental Health in Brisbane?
While general yoga classes can often bring relief for stress and anxiety, at SoHo Yoga we have designed weekly yoga classes and quarterly yoga workshops specifically for mental health. Incorporating mindful movement and breath awareness to regulate the nervous system and help manage stress and anxiety, our Mindful Slow Flow classes and Yoga for Mental Health workshops are taught from a trauma and mental health informed perspective by senior teacher Nicole Sanders.
Nicole is an eating disorder, mental health & trauma sensitive informed yoga teacher. She has lived experience with her own mental health issues and all the techniques you will be taught, Nicole uses to manage and control her own mental health.
Our Mindful Slow Flow classes and Yoga for Mental Health workshops are suitable for anyone seeking to improve mental health, or who simply enjoy a gentle, nourishing yoga practice. Weekly Mindful Slow Flow classes run Mondays 9.15am - 10.30am and Wednesdays 4.30pm - 5.45pm in our beautiful SoHo Yoga Grange studio, Brisbane. Start your yoga practice today and embark on a rewarding and enlightening journey towards greater mental health and well-being.