Yoga for depression: Can it help?

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, approximately 20% of all Germans suffer from depression or a similar mental illness (mild depressive mood, for example) at some point in their lives. Therefore, it's sensible to protect yourself against it or to know measures that can counteract mental illnesses. More and more people are turning to Buddhist teachings: The advantage is that it aims for holistic healing—body, mind, and soul are in harmony. If you are affected, you can learn more about the asanas. You'll find the most important tips in this article.

Can yoga provide relief from depression?

Anyone who has ever experienced depression, burnout, or a depressive mood knows that this is a very difficult time. At the same time, however, it offers the opportunity to rediscover yourself and adapt your life more to your own desires and needs.

While drug therapy usually only has a physical effect, asanas work on a different level. They harmonize the entire system and attempt to bring about change in one's state of mind on a deeper level.

a) Arrive in the here and now with yoga

Many people experience stress or anxiety because their thoughts are constantly focused on the future. It's not surprising, then, that their mood suffers and depressive episodes occur. With the help of yoga and meditation, yogis are able to arrive in the present moment, ground themselves, and relieve stress on the brain.

b) Exhausting the body

Depressive disorders are particularly recognizable by the fact that people no longer feel like doing anything. The body suffers from a lack of exercise and insufficient flexibility. If you integrate yoga into your daily routine, you will notice a difference relatively quickly. Many sufferers have little energy during these phases. This is completely normal and should not be ignored. Nevertheless, it is helpful to start with daily Yin Yoga sessions. These help you stretch your body and loosen the fascia. You can gradually incorporate more intensive yoga sessions if you feel the need.

c) Anxiety can be alleviated

People who constantly suffer from anxiety attacks can use yoga to calm themselves and learn to focus on the present moment. A study conducted at the University School of Medicine in Boston found that participants who practiced yoga experienced increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the brain is responsible for rest and relaxation. When this area receives more attention, the entire body automatically relaxes.

c) Recognize physical needs

Many sufferers no longer have a sense of their bodies or their own needs. However, if you practice yoga daily, you will notice over time that you are increasingly able to perceive and assess yourself better. This allows you to always act according to your needs. At first, this path can be difficult and time-consuming, but with time and the right yoga exercises, you will quickly notice progress.

d) Self-love increases

Those suffering from depression report a lack of self-love. Yoga helps you relax, become more aware of your body, and accept yourself as you are. Incidentally, this problem is not only reported by women, but also by men. Self-love, however, is the key to excellent mental and physical health. Gentle self-love meditation on a pillow can also help in this regard.

e) Yoga can help to get emotions flowing

Depressed moods or depression can also result from energy stagnation in your body's system. This means you need to get your energy flowing with various asanas. This affects your overall well-being.

Practice yoga on your mat every day and you will find that you are much more balanced and can deal with your emotions better.

Which exercises are perfect for depression?

If you are experiencing these symptoms and have been diagnosed with depression, you should take action.

In addition to conventional therapy, it's best to start your yoga practice today to see improvements as quickly as possible. Of course, you'll need a little motivation at first to avoid wanting to stay in bed. However, if you know that yoga can help, you should give it a try.

a) Mountain attitude

This asana is very well-known and popular. This is because it draws out the strength within. If you're depressed, this is significant because you're most likely lacking inner strength.

Stand upright on the floor and raise your arms straight in the air. At the same time, inhale. As you exhale, lower your arms and place your palms together in front of your heart. Repeat a few times.

b) Swivel seat

Anyone who wants to detoxify their body—and this doesn't just apply to physical food—can try this asana. Letting go of old things is necessary in order to look forward to new things. This is especially important for depressive moods. Sit down and stretch out your right leg, placing your left leg over the right. At the same time, twist your body to the right. Your right elbow touches the knee of your left leg. Your head is always in line with your spine and doesn't twist too tightly.

c) Downward-Facing Dog

It's a very popular asana – not just for depression. From a quadrupedal position, lift your buttocks and stretch them into the air. Your legs are almost straight, the soles of your feet on the floor. Your back is long, and your arms are stretched out. Enjoy a few breaths in this pose.

You can integrate these three exercises into your daily routine.

Don't forget the following points...

If you wish to integrate yoga into your depressive everyday life, you should consider the following points:

• Your condition may improve quickly or slowly; be patient.
• It is important that you practice yoga regularly.
• Do yoga in a group – this helps you make social contacts
• Breathing exercises like Kapalabhati (fire breathing) are really good for bringing new fire into the organism.

Do you suffer from depression and want relief? Have you ever tried yoga?