Mental Health is Wealth
With breathing and meditation practices, it's not surprising that yoga brings mental benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression. There are many forms of yoga, including yin/slow flow, vinyasa, kundalini, and many more. However, it’s important to find the form of yoga that resonates most with you and practice it regularly for the best results. This week, we’ll go over two forms of yoga and their benefits!
Restorative yoga focuses on deep relaxation and gentle stretching, often involving the use of props like bolsters and blankets to support the body in various poses (I like to think of it as a guided nap!) It can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This can lead to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body and an overall sense of calmness and well-being. Practicing restorative yoga regularly can also improve sleep quality, which is crucial for mental health.
On the other hand, yin yoga, also known as slow flow, involves holding passive poses for an extended period, typically three to five minutes or even longer. This practice targets the deep connective tissues of the body, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Yin yoga helps release tension in these tissues and can also stimulate the flow of energy (or chi) throughout the body according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. This can result in a feeling of increased emotional balance and vitality.
Both types of yoga can also help cultivate mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings without judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall psychological well-being.
Cheers,
Team Indigo Movement
