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It’s no surprise that yoga stands out as one of the world’s most beloved (physical) practices; it’s
widely cherished for how it benefits both body and mind. Originating in 6th-4th century BCE
India (while some sources claim its existence spans well over five millennia), this ancient
tradition has endured through the ages and captivated countless practitioners worldwide. From
ancient India to contemporary New Jersey, yoga has evolved through diverse forms, many of
which are still practiced today; despite these variations, its core (intention) remains unchanged.
Today, beyond its obvious physical advantages, yoga’s ability to enhance mental well-being is
getting more and more attention. In this article, we’ll explore how regular yoga practice can aid
mood disorders and introduce this natural remedy to everyone in need. Stay tuned!
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice from India that blends physical exercises, breathing techniques, and
meditation to unite the body and mind. The word yoga even comes from the Sanskrit root yuj,
which means to yoke or to unite.
It’s a lot more than just stretching; yoga builds strength, flexibility, and balance while
simultaneously promoting health and happiness. In yoga classes, you move through poses, focus
on your breath, and sometimes use hand gestures (mudras) and chants (mantras). It can burn
calories and tone muscles, but it also offers a deeper spiritual connection if you’re open to it.
All in all, yoga is a holistic practice rooted in centuries of wisdom and peace that enriches both
physical and mental well-being. It is a very popular activity all around our globalized world.
How Popular is Yoga in the US?
According to Statista, yoga remains highly popular in the United States, with approximately 34
million Americans practicing it in 2022. By 2023, this number had slightly decreased to about
33.64 million. However, we can’t argue that there’s been a decline in popularity; the numbers are
still pretty high.
Also, another thing: yoga mats saw increased popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic; many
people have purchased them for home fitness as other forms of exercise were not encouraged.
The yoga and pilates studio industry also thrived, generating nearly $9.9 billion in revenue in
2021 from about 39,000 businesses nationwide. Among US states, New Jersey stands out as the
top state for gym enthusiasts and the second for yoga enthusiasts, following only Florida. There
are a total of 848 yoga studios in New Jersey, illustrating the popularity of yoga in this state.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore why yoga is so popular. In other words, let’s
examine how many people can benefit mentally from regularly practicing yoga.
Ways Regular Yoga Practice Can Aid Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you feel over longer periods. They
can bring extreme happiness, sadness, anger, or other persistent feelings. An estimated 9.7% of
adults in the United States will suffer from a mood disorder during the course of a year.
According to the data from 2023, in New Jersey alone, 27.7% of adults reported symptoms of
anxiety and/or depressive disorder, common mood disorders.
While everyone’s mood changes – it’s one of the most distinctive traits of humans – these
disorders cause symptoms that last for weeks or more and impact a person’s daily life. Yoga can
be beneficial for managing the symptoms of these disorders, as it promotes calmness and
mindfulness and helps people establish a healthy routine.
Yoga Can help Battle Post-Addiction Depressive Episodes
Yoga is well-known for its ability to assist former addicts in managing mood issues both during
and after treatment. Addiction rates in NJ, in particular, aren’t as bad as the national average, and
the reason behind it might just be the effective integration of holistic therapies. Renowned
treatment centers like We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ incorporate yoga into their holistic therapy
for drug addiction. It is included for its proven calming effects, which help former addicts
maintain emotional balance and strength throughout and after their treatment.
Yoga Elevates GABA levels Inside the Brain
Regular, everyday exercise can boost your mood by lowering stress hormones, increasing feel-
good chemicals called endorphins (also called happy hormones), and bringing more oxygenated blood to your brain. But, it seems that yoga may offer some extra benefits. It can improve your
mood by raising levels of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This
chemical is linked to better mood and less anxiety. Also, meditation, a key part of yoga, reduces
activity in the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system. This helps you stay calmer in stressful
situations.
Long-term Benefits of Yoga
Yoga helps you connect with yourself in a profound way and can help improve your mood over
time. Through regular yoga practice, you become more and more aware of your body and mind;
this, of course, leads to greater self-understanding and inner peace. The combination of physical
postures and breathwork releases tension.
Meditation is a core aspect of yoga. It quiets the mind and reduces stress, helping you manage
emotions better. That is why meditation is another staple of holistic treatment inside Level Up
Treatment Lawrenceville, commonly known as We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ. By consistently
practicing yoga and meditation, you cultivate a positive mindset, enhanced emotional stability,
and a deeper sense of well-being. This prepares you more effectively for combating disorders
like depression.
Yoga Can Help You Establish a Solid Sleeping Pattern
A yoga routine before bed can help you unwind and get your body ready for a peaceful night’s
sleep. Gentle stretches and soothing poses release muscle tension and lower stress, signaling to
your body that it’s time to relax. This routine can help you fall asleep more quickly and stay
asleep throughout the night.
Getting regular, high-quality sleep is crucial to preserving your health and happiness. When you
get enough sleep, you wake up feeling better and more rested, prepared to take on the day.
However, irregular sleeping patterns can have a detrimental effect on your health by increasing
your vulnerability to stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
There are many ways yoga practice can aid mood disorders; we’ve counted some of them. The
full extent of its positive effects goes beyond the scope of this article. But when you start your
yoga journey, you’ll see firsthand how it improves your mental and emotional health. Yoga’s
holistic approach (combining physical postures, breathwork, and meditation) equips you with
valuable tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression better.