HOW PRACTICING MINDFULNESS AND TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CAN HELP YOU STAY MOTIVATED.
Mindfulness and Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental health refers to your emotional well-being, which is important to nourish because it affects your overall health too. Poor mental health may lead to issues such as depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, poor motivation etc. That's why we advocate for mindfulness, which is being fully present and aware of our body and mind. When we practice being mindful, we are better able to acknowledge and regulate our emotions, and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
How Do Yoga and Meditation Help?
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Yoga has an immediate and long-term effect on reducing anxiety (Derebail et al., 2011).
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Yoga significantly decreases depression levels (Louie, 2014).
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Meditation decreases anxiety levels and improves cognitive function (Infante et al., 1998).
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Meditation has been proved to reduce stress (Oman, 2008).
Yoga
Yoga is a mind and body practice that fosters harmony. Various styles of yoga combine practices of postural awareness, breathing techniques, and relaxation to promote mental and physical well-being. Below is a video that goes over eight different yoga poses (for beginners) to get a motivating and energizing start to your day!
1. Yoga has been proven to have long-term effects on reducing anxiety, which can lead to participants feeling more energized and focused.
2. Yoga also has been used as treatment for veterans with PTSD, and found to be successful.
3. "Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration." -Dr. Nevins, DO.
4. Yoga modulates the stress response system, which decreases physiological reactions. For example, it reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and eases respiration.
5. In a study conducted by Harvard in 2009, it was found that people who practice yoga had a high pain tolerance and were able to regulate their pain and stress responses.
Enjoy this easy morning routine we have set up for you ā”
Meditation
Meditation is also a mind and body practice. It has been promoted to help mental and physical health. Studies have shown that meditation can help with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and many others issues. Studies have also shown that meditation can physically change the brain and body of a practicing individual. This practice aims to connect and strengthen the relationship between the brain, the body, and the soul. There are different forms of meditation, however most of them contain the same elements: a quiet space, deep concentration, stillness, breathing techniques and a comfortable position.
Check out all these awesome videos available for free on YouTube. They can help you get started on your meditation journey.
Breathing
Breathing is a process that happens automatically and therefore is often never thought about. However, by practicing our breathing we can strengthen our bodies, improve how we move, and better how we feel. Here we explain a few different breathing techniques. Use them when practicing yoga or mediation. Master this process and become a better, more motivated version of yourself.