While it is important for you to consult a therapist to treat depression, performing yoga every day might help to alleviate symptoms and supplement your counseling sessions. After all, yoga does not just restore the physical equilibrium of the body; it also brings in a sense of calm and rootedness.
Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness and worthlessness, loss of interest in activities that were once found enjoyable, suicidal thoughts and inability to concentrate. People with depression also report feeling drained throughout the day. The symptoms might vary in intensity in different individuals.
Studies have proved that yoga can definitely help deal with the isolated symptoms of depression. For instance, in one study, it was seen that just two 90-minute yoga classes every week for 12 weeks significantly enhanced the moods of people with major depressive disorders. In fact, their brain responded positively to the change and the severity of the symptoms was significantly lowered.
How does yoga therapy help?
There is no doubt that consistent yoga practice lowers stress levels and also has the same effect on anxious minds as other meditation techniques. But what does yoga actually do to the brain? While studies are being conducted in the area, there is a growing consensus about the fact that yoga leads to a release of endorphins - the feel-good chemicals - in the brain due to which your mood is significantly altered.
In addition to this, it is also important to note that there are some yoga poses that work better than others to tackle symptoms of depression. For instance, poses that help to open up your chest muscles and stretch your back are extremely effective and help to fight lack of sleep and energy. The key to relief is, of course, being consistent at it.
Yoga is not just all about asanas. There are also a lot of yogic breathing techniques associated with it. When done right, they help to soothe the mind and keep negative thoughts at bay. Thus, it might really help you feel better, especially when it is coupled with therapeutic interventions over the months. Sign up for online yoga classes today.