In today’s era, mental health has become as important as your physical fitness. In the post-pandemic world, terms associated with mental health have spiked searches. While herbs and yoga is something that is known to impact one’s physical health, they equally affect one’s mental health. Wondering how? We will tell you. Today, Inner Yoga Training will make you understand how to use herbs, nutrients, and yoga to benefit your mental health.
Herbs, Nutrients & Mental Health
At self healing retreats like ours, we believe that the link between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.” Eating nutritionally dense food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects the production of these chemicals. When production is optimal, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your mental state can reflect it. On the other hand, when production goes awry, so might your mood. Here are certain foods that can impact your mental health positively:
-
Whole Foods
Some studies show that preservatives, food colorings, and other additives may cause or worsen hyperactivity and depression. The powerful nutrients produced by colorful produce have tons of benefits for the mind and body. Their nutritional properties are often contained in the colors themselves. By including naturally colorful foods in our diet, we make it much easier for our bodies to get more vitamins and nutrients and reap the many physical and psychological benefits.
-
Fiber
Plant-based foods are full of fiber which helps your body absorb glucose (food sugars) more slowly. This helps you avoid sugar rushes and crashes. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-filled carbs like whole grains and beans.
-
Antioxidants
These inflammation fighters are especially plentiful in berries, leafy green vegetables, spice turmeric, and foods with Omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon and black chia seeds. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants – and sugar – so indulge in moderation.
Yoga & Mental Health
The word “yoga” comes from the root word “yuj,” which means “to yoke” or “to bind.” The word itself has numerous meanings, from an astrological conjunction to matrimony, with the underlying theme being connection. The scientific research into yin yoga and mental health is still somewhat preliminary, but much of the evidence so far supports what practitioners seem to have known for millennia: Yoga is incredibly beneficial to our overall well-being. Here’s how yoga benefits your mental health:
-
Improves flexibility
Flexibility is an important component of physical health. Yoga offers many styles such as yin yoga elements to choose from, varying in intensity from high to moderate to mild. Even the lowest intensity styles have been found to increase flexibility. Yoga seems to be especially helpful for improving flexibility in adults ages 65 and older.
-
It’s a Stressbuster
Physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Meditation, breath work, and auditory rituals, like chanting and sound baths, have also been shown to significantly lessen tension and relieve stress. Yin yoga therapy and mental health are known to go hand-in-hand.
-
Reduces Inflammation
Often, the precursor to illness is chronic inflammation. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions are linked to prolonged inflammation. Many mental health groups and yoga studios help people practice various styles, intensities, and durations — reducing the biochemical markers of inflammation across several chronic conditions.
-
Yoga and Athletic Mental Health
While most people associate yoga with stretching and flexibility, some types of yoga classes can also be considered strength-building. It just depends on the class level, approach, and teacher. This makes yoga and mental health training a multimodal form of exercise.
-
Improves Immunity
Chronic stress negatively affects your immune system. When your immunity is compromised, you’re more susceptible to illness. However, as discussed earlier, yoga is considered a scientifically backed alternative treatment for stress.
-
It Can Improve Balance
Balance is not just important when you’re trying to stand on one leg in a Tree Pose in yoga class. It’s also essential for simple everyday movements such as picking something up off the floor, reaching up to a shelf, and descending stairs. Goat yoga for kids and mental health can also go hand-in-hand. Yoga has been shown to improve balance and overall performance in athletes.
So, it’s high time to incorporate yoga herbs and healing in your life to benefit not only your physical health but your mental health too. Wish to delve more into this? Learn from the experts at https://inneryogatraining.com/.