Yoga is a practice said to have over 100 health benefits. Those benefits relate to improvements to the mind, body, and soul.
This makes yoga the perfect practice for someone struggling with any type of addiction. Because people recovering from addiction are often fighting stress and sometimes internal turmoil, they can benefit from the many benefits of this mindful and relaxing practice.
It Helps Lower Depression
Self Magazine reports that yoga can increase the levels of the brain chemical GABA, which is often found in low levels in people battling depressions. A group that participated in yoga sessions had 27 percent more GABA than a group that quietly read.
It Boosts Confidence
Yoga practice increases confidence in woman more than other physical activities. Woman who regularly practiced yoga rated their body satisfaction 20 percent higher than woman who participated in aerobics, according to Self Magazine.
It Improves Self Discipline
Yoga requires self-discipline and commitment in order to properly practice. Repeated yoga sessions build a self-discipline that can, and will, transcend into other areas of the yogi’s life.
It Increases Emotional Control
Regular yoga practice can increase stability in mood. Self Magazine reports that woman who regular practiced yoga had 41 percent less cytokine, a type of protein connected to making people feel moody.
If Improves Mental Control
People dealing with addiction may experience negative thoughts, worries, and stresses. Yoga practice teaches how to use mindfulness to regain focus and control over irrational thoughts.
It Improves Concentration
Medical News Today reports that a group who participated in regular yoga sessions scored higher on concentration assessments than those who did not participate in yoga sessions.
It Increases Energy
People are energized by yoga sessions. This boost can be useful to people struggling with low-energy levels and fatigue commonly associated with recovery.
It Helps Foster an Attitude of Gratitude
The mental practice of yoga encourages yogis to be more aware and grateful for the things around them. This mindful practice allows yogis to become more aware of the small, possibly overlooked blessings in their life.
It Builds a Connection Between Mind and Body
Many addicts struggle with finding a way to connect their mind and their body. Yoga helps build that connection by matching controlled breathing with bodily movements. These mindful movements helps yogis become more aware of how they control their bodies.
It’s Exercise for Mind and Body
These are just a few of the mental benefits that yogis receive from regular yoga practice. There are also dozens of health benefits related to yoga. Recovery centers like drug rehab at 12 Keys often promote physical wellbeing as an inimical part of healing during recovery. Yoga can add these physical well-being benefits as well.
- decrease in blood pressure
- decrease in resting pulse rate
- increased circulation
- improved cardiovascular endurance
- increased immunity
- increased metabolism
- improved core strength
- improved balance
- weight loss
So if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, yoga might be the perfect practice for them to start exercising their mind, body, and soul while working toward recovery.
Image via Flickr by Affleck photos
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