Yoga For Mental Health: 5 Best Asanas to Cope Depression, Stress And Anxiety

An alarming fact of the 21st century is the increasing prevalence of detrimental mental conditions among individuals of all age groups. Stress has become an unavoidable part of everyday existence, and people regularly face new challenges, be it in their personal lives or in their professional environment.Read also – Viral video: Astronaut does yoga in space and adopts the ‘Garudasana’ pose, netizens are amazed | Clock

Stressful conditions often lead to the development of anxiety disorders and, over time, depression. These states are accompanied by feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia or excessive sleeping, loss of appetite, and a host of other problems. Therefore, it has become increasingly important for people to find new ways to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Read also – Yoga will be mandatory for school students in Uttar Pradesh

While there are already psychotherapy, nutrition, and other forms of methods used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress, another effective and clinically proven way of treating such conditions has been yoga. Yoga provides a systematic method, along with a structured approach to managing and treating mental conditions to bring people relief over time. The benefits of yoga are many. The myriad of asanas and breathing exercises help improve bodily functioning, while also strengthening the individual’s mind. Yoga can be a useful means to complement the psychotherapeutic treatment of depression, anxiety and stress. Read also – Yoga For Menstrual Pain: 5 Effective Asanas For Women To Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Here are 5 asanas that can be easily incorporated into daily schedules to control and combat the ill effects of these terrible mental conditions and start the journey to recovery:

Yoga Asanas For Mental Health:

1. Balasana (child’s pose)

Balasana is a comfortable pose that stretches your upper body and back muscles, relaxing your body and mind. Relieves tension from the muscles, which improves posture, blood circulation and stress relief.

Performing the Balasana is easy and comforting. Kneel down and sit on your heels on a yoga mat, touching your big toes. Spread your knees hip-width apart and place your palms on your knees. Now, bend your torso forward and between your split thighs, and touch your forehead to the mat. Bring your arms forward and place them on the mat, stretched out in front of you. Hold the position for a few minutes and slowly return to the starting position.

The Balasana induces a state of calm, relieving stress and anxiety effectively, helping to deal with episodes of depression with better preparation.

2. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Sethu Bandhasana is a powerful inversion that opens the chest cavity, improves cardiovascular health, and increases clarity and focus. This pose is also a great way to open up and strengthen your back, hips, and hamstrings, working wonders on tight rear muscles.

To perform the Sethu Bandhasana, lie on the mat on your back. Place your hands palms down on either side of your body and bend your knees to bring your heels closer to your hips. Keep your feet a few inches apart. Now gently lift your hips and back off the ground and hold for a few minutes. Relax and return to the starting position, exhaling as you do so.

3. Savasana (corpse pose)

A completely rejuvenating and relaxing pose, Savasana is an excellent way to calm the body and mind, relieving tension from the muscles and relieving the effects of stress and anxiety. It provides a scope for healing and relaxation for people.

Savasana is done by simply lying on a yoga mat facing the ceiling. Keep your legs and feet a few inches apart, letting them fall to the sides. Place your hands on either side of your body, palms facing up, while relaxing your body in this position for a few minutes. Now close your eyes and let your body and mind relax.

4. Uttansana (Standing Forward Bend)

Uttanasana is a great way to stretch your legs, back, shoulders, and neck. Improves blood circulation and the general functioning of the nervous system. It produces calming effects and reduces stress and anxiety effectively.

To perform Uttanasana, stand up straight with your arms at your sides. Lean forward at the hips, trying to go as low as possible, until your chest touches your thighs and your head reaches your knees. Hold this position for a few breaths before gently releasing it and returning to the starting position.

5. Halasana (Plow Pose)

Halasana is an effective pose that stretches the entire back, improving posture. This asana has a calming effect on the brain and provides a great stretch for the entire body. The effects of this asana also help control the symptoms of insomnia, relieving fatigue and anxiety.

Halasana is performed lying on your back, with your arms at your sides and your feet together. He raises his legs at a 90 degree angle and hold onto his hips with the help of his hands to support the lift. Now she brings her feet back and toward the floor, extending them behind her head. Make sure your thighs stay straight and avoid touching them with your head. Hold this position for a few breaths and release the position as you exhale to resume the initial lying position.

(With input from IANS)