Yin Yoga, Stress Management & Mental Health | Western Wellness
The Benefits of Yin Yoga for Stress Management and Mental Health
Yin Yoga is focused primarily on stress relief and relaxation. The postures are held for longer periods of time, and they’re usually performed either sitting or lying down. In Eastern philosophy, ‘Yin’ represents passiveness, softness and femininity, which perfectly describes Yin Yiga’s slow and relaxed postures. Yin Yoga targets the bones and connective tissues and also improves flexibility. However, its biggest benefit is to your mental health.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of Yin Yoga for stress management and mental health.
It grounds you: Yin Yoga helps you to become more present in your own body and allows you to acknowledge each uncomfortable thought or sensation you have. Learning to face these intrusive thoughts is an important strategy for stress management.
It forces you to slow down: A key contributor to stress is the feeling of not being able to slow down and feeling overwhelmed by daily life. Practising Yin Yoga forces you to slow down and focus on each yoga posture and the present moment rather than stressing and feeling anxious about what tomorrow will bring.
Focus on your breath: Breathing in and out deeply is an important strategy for handling anxiety and stress as it calms your nervous system. Your breath eases the tightness in your body and helps you calmly focus on each thought racing through your mind. Your nervous system is regulated as you work through the ‘flight or fight’ response to anxiety and stress.
Gives you energy: It stimulates the flow of energy through your body, making you feel energised and helping you focus on the present and clear your mind.
Improves sleep: Improved sleep lowers your cortisol levels and balances your body’s nervous system, helping to reduce the feeling of stress and improve your overall mental health.
Activates the nervous system: Yin Yoga activates your nervous system which helps to lower your blood pressure and heart rate. It also relaxes your muscles, increases your immunity and releases endorphins.
Other Benefits of Yin Yoga include:
Helps you balance your emotions
Boosts circulation
Enhances metal focus
Improves flexibility
Helps to promote mindfulness
Produces feelings of deep calm
Improves joint mobility
Stretches connective tissue and tight muscles
Who is Yin Yoga Good for?
Yin Yoga is great for anyone who is feeling anxious and stressed and wants to practice mindfulness and to focus on the present moment, all while learning a relaxing, reflective form of yoga that benefits both your physical and mental health. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced learners of yoga.
At Western Wellness, we offer in-person and online training programs from our studio in Melbourne, Australia. Our Yoga Alliance Accredited programs are recognised internationally and by Yoga Alliance. You can find out more here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/yoga-teacher-training
If you’re looking for a friendly, inclusive yoga community, look no further than Western Wellness. Contact us at 0409 248 591 or send us an email here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/contact to find out more!