YOGA: Yoga and Meditation for Mental Health.

What is Yoga?
Yoga is a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual practice originating from ancient India.

History:
Yoga's rich history spans over 5,000 years, evolving from ancient spiritual practices to modern physical exercises.

Definition:
Yoga is a practice that is aimed to unite the body, mind and spirit, promoting overall well-being and self-awareness.
Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning "merging, merge" or "union".

Components of Yoga:
Yoga involves practices, exercises, actions, workout done for the well-being.
They include;

1. Physical components:
   * Asanas (Postures): These are physical positions and exercises done to balance body, soul and mind.
   * Pranayama (Breathing Techniques): These are controlled breathing practices done for relaxation and energy.
   *Kriyas (Cleansing Techniques): This involves using detoxifying practices for body and mind.

2. Mental components:
   * Dharana (Concentration): Steady focusing the mind for mental and psychological clarity.
   * Dhyana (Meditation): Silent, quiet reflection and thinking for inner peace.
   * Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): This involves withdrawing your mind and thoughts from external distractions.

3. Spiritual components:
   * Yamas (Universal Ethics): These are principles for living in harmony.
   * Niyamas (Personal Observances): They are practices done for spiritual growth.
   * Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrendering to a higher power): This involve letting go of your ego.

4. Energetic components:
   * Kundalini: This is done to awaken inner potentials or gifts for a better life.
   * Bandhas: Involves controlling energy flow in the body.

5. Philosophical components:
   * Dualism: Distinguishing between body and state of mind.
   * Non-dualism: Uniting or merging body and mind.
   * Bhakti Yoga: Involves devotional love.
   * Jnana Yoga: It includes improving knowledge and wisdom.

6. Other components:
   * Mantras (Sound Vibrations): Involves practicing sound repetition for focus.
   * Mudras (Hand Gestures): Practicing symbolic hand positions.
   * Srishti (Focused Gaze): Posture for Steady concentration on your vision.

Yoga & Meditation for Mental Health:
       Yoga and meditation are highly effective practices for supporting mental health.

Meditation:
1. Focused attention or open awareness.
2. Regular practice for mental clarity & calm.
3. Reduces blood pressure, chronic pain & imsonia.
4. Increases grey matter in brain regions for attention, emotion regulation and memory.
5. Enhances emotional intelligence, compassion and self-awareness.

Importance & Benefits of Yoga

1. Physical Benefits:
   * Improves flexibility and balance.
   * Enhances strength and muscle tone.
   * Helps in weight management.
   * Increases respiratory function.
   * Improved circulation &                                cardiovascular health.

2. Mental & Emotional Benefits:
   * Reduces stress and anxiety.
   * Reduces depression & negative thoughts.
   * Improves mood and emotional regulation.
   * Enhances cognitive function & focus.
   * Increases self-awareness and self-acceptance.
   * Helps in better sleep quality.
   * Enhances the state of calmness and peace of mind.

3. Spiritual & Energetic Benefits:
   * It connects inner self & purpose.
   * Improves balance & harmony in life.
   * Increases energy & vitality.
   * Enhances intuition & creativity.
   * Spiritual growth & self-realization is        increased.

4. Therapeutic Benefits:
   * Helps in pain management.
   * Injury is rehabilitated.
   * Increases chronic disease management E.g (diabetes, hypertension) Etc.
   * Mental health support is improved.
   * Addiction recovery is enhanced.

5. Social Benefits:
   * Communication skills & teamwork is improved.
   * Helps in confidence development.
   * Improves understanding, family bonding and relations.
   * Increases social connection and cultural exchange.

6. Preventative Benefits:
   * Injury prevention.
   * Chronic disease prevention.
   * Mental Health maintenance.

"YOGA HELPS IN OVERALL WELL-BEING"

Tips for starting Meditations & Yoga practices:

1. Begin with short sessions for about        5- 10 minutes.
2. Find a quiet and comfortable place.
3. Focus on breath & body sensations.
4. Be gentle & patient with yourself.
5. Use guided meditations & apps.
6. Incorporate mindfulness into daily          activities.
7. Make it your regular habit.

       'Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self and to the self' 
- Bhadgavad Gita-

Comments

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