If you practice yoga then you will become stronger and more flexible. As you practice you
will learn new skills and overcome physical challenges which can help to
promote a sense of achievement, improve your outlook on life, and encourage a growth
mindset. Having a more functional and balanced physique can help to boost your confidence to
undertake new or adventurous activities elsewhere in life.
When you engage in movement or physical exercise it also triggers the release of various
"feel good" neurotransmitters including endorphins, endocannabinoids, and dopamine. They
can lead to an elevated mood (a "natural high") during and after exercise. Exercise also
increases levels of
serotonin which can lead to increased feelings of stability.
When you practice yoga, these combined effects can help to alleviate feelings of
depression or anxiety and increasing feelings of wellbeing.
If you attend group classes you also get the chance to become part of a community and have
the opportunity to make new friends and create new social bonds.
Apart from the physical benefits of yoga and their effect on mental wellbeing, yoga is more
than just
an exercise class. During the course of a class we will often engage in meditation, as well
as promote awareness of the breath. We may use pranayama (breath exercises) to help
lengthen, calm, and control the breath. Yoga encourages us to calm our minds, and pull our
attention and awareness into the mind and body. It is a chance to step away from the
day-to-day demands and stimulations of our lives.
Yoga can play a important role in tackling poor mental health and bringing about
positive and lasting change.
Whilst yoga can offer significant benefits to your wellbeing, it is important for you to
seek advice from a qualified health professional (such as your GP) if you are experiencing
strong feelings of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition.