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Four ways yoga can help depression

This article was kindly written by blogger, Stacey Thompson for Wisdom within Counseling. In here, you can learn about how yoga can help depression symptoms, PTSD, panic attacks and sleeping. Below, read about depression management in Connecticut. Art, yoga, music, animals abd outdoor therapies boost self-confidence.

Are you looking for 4 ways yoga can help depression?

First, dpression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. And, cases of major depressive disorder or MDD have ballooned by 20% in the last decade. Further, a study by the World Health Organization states this fact. In the US alone, depression affects more than 16.1 million adults. And, depression can be developed at any age. At Wisdom Within counseling in Niantic, we specialize in yoga for depression.

What is an effective treatment for depression?

Now, this emerging global crisis prompts governments, companies, and health institutions to rethink and develop ways to mitigate depression. To note, an effective, non-medical treatment, is yoga. 

What is yoga for depression?


To begin, yoga is a mind-body practice. And, yoga for depression has become increasingly popular in recent years. To note, 58% of respondents from a National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health report said that they practice yoga. And, they do yoga to to help maintain their health and wellbeing. 

Holistic yoga therapy for depression management without medication


Over the years, more and more research is being done on how yoga can improve the overall wellbeing of people. And, studies look at how yoga helps in mitigating depression.

 

Here are 4 major ways yoga can aid in treating depression:

Better stress response

First, yoga helps people with depression better manage and respond to stress stimuli. Notably, depression is characterized by low energy levels and persistent unhappiness. Further, depression can affect how you feel and how you act. And, people suffering from depression often have a tough time coping with stress that ordinary people can easily shrug off. Now, a University of Utah study reveals that people who do yoga have a better pain response.

Niantic, Connecticut, yoga therapy, and private yoga session

Also, yoga teaches people how to have a better stress response than those who do not. Therefore, by using functional MRIs, studies show that people who practice yoga have less pain and stress. And, yogis also have less stress related brain activity when exposed to stressful situations. In Connecticut, Katie Ziskind uses yoga therapy to teach mindfulness, meditation skills, and self acceptance techniques. From yoga, you can better manage her depression, and attract healthy relationships from self-confidence. So, to learn about overcoming depression through yoga in Niantic, Connecticut, call 860-451-9364.

Yoga therapy for people suffering from variations of depressive disorders such as PTSD are also coming to the forefront. Further, holistic therapies stimulate the right and the left part of the brain simultaneously. And, this can help alleviate stressful and life-threatening memories that may cause depression in PTSD patients. Katie Ziskind is a PTSD specialist and licensed marriage and family therapist at Wisdom Within Counseling in Southeastern Connecticut.

Yoga in Connecticut relieves anxiety and panic attacks

More, yoga also helps decrease anxiety and improve anxiety response. So, while different from depression, 85% of people suffering from MDD also have high levels of anxiety. Also, anxiety is characterized by a high energy state which can lead to panic attacks. Often, with PTSD, anxiety and depression are present.  

Yoga helps lower anxiety

To add, relaxation techniques in yoga including progressive muscle relaxation. Further, guided meditation includes visualization and breathing exercises that are proven to release tension and help with anxiety. For example, the Asanas stretch lengthens and balances the muscles that release built up tension. And, moving your muscles can create a muscle memory response to depression or anxiety. So, yoga and breathing can help you feel better. Even the less physically demanding components of yoga such as enhanced mindfulness can reduce feelings of nervousness. So, yoga eases your irrational worries that are a characteristic of panic attacks and anxiety. 


So, does yoga lessen workplace stress?

Further, oupational stress is one of the leading causes of depression. So, stressed workers tend to be less engaged and less productive. 

Further, Reuters shows that implementing yoga support programs in the workplace helps reduce stress and create a more conducive environment. Now, the study mainly focuses on yoga poses and yogic deep breathing. As a result, companies are deploying health practices to reduce workplace stress. Further, Maryville University notes how there is now a huge demand for therpaists and yoga specialists. However, there is a great need for professionals who understand the connection between business objectives and employee behavior. So, clearly defining how and where to deploy these strategies can boost its effectiveness and help alleviate workplace-caused depression.

Improved behavioral and sleep patterns

Recently, a Harvard Medical School study detailed the positive impact of yoga to people. So, those suffering from chronic insomnia, a condition linked with depression, can use yoga. Yes, more research is being done to understand why depression and insomnia usually occur together. And, this is ample proof that sleeplessness aggravates depression. Also, yoga for depression can help promote balance in sleep cycles. Moreover, low energy in depression persists longer when melatonin secretion drops and patients don’t get enough sleep.

Studies show yoga improve mental health and boosts mood management skills

Furthermore, another study on the effects of Hatha Yoga and Omkar meditation concludes brainnebenfits of yoga. So, in 3 months of continuous yogic alone people had increases plasma melatonin. Meanwhile, the same study also shows a correlation between unbroken yoga practice to cardiorespiratory performance and an improved psychological profile. To note, there is also evidence that the routine and physical exercise keeps people with depression healthy. For some, yoga for depression in Connecticut can teach self-awareness to pause and choose holistic coping skills. So, the benefits afforded by yoga veers people to make healthier choices around food and wellbeing after yoga. And, those suffering from depression may organically stay away from negative coping mechanisms they may adopt like substance abuse.

How does Wisdom Within Counseling in Niantic, Connecticut help?

First, you can use art therapy to release in express emotions. And, you can use yoga therapy to learn breathing techniques for calmness. Or, you can go for a walk in session along the Connecticut beaches for serenity. Also, you can use animal therapy to gain present moment thinking. So, in Niantic, we offer holistic therapies to help you feel your best, balanced, and develop self-confidence. We work with depression and integrate holistic counseling for coping skills. Lastly, when it comes to the holistic depression management, we are experts on creative therapies for depression treatment. Call 860-451-9364 to begin with a phone consultation.

You got this!

In Connecticut, there’s not much offered out there when it comes to Niantic creative counseling. And, when looking for holistic therapy in Connecticut, look no further. We work with teens who self harm and teach self love techniques. And, we work with anxious children who are frustrated and teach positive behaviors. Further, we work with young adults using yoga therapy to teach resilience after a loss or trauma. We are an LGBTQ family therapy practice in Niantic, Connecticut and a group of LGBTQ therapists. Proudly, we work with transgender children in counseling.

So, to learn more about managing your depression through positive coping skills including yoga, call 860-451-9364.



The evidence is proving that yoga may be one of the best ways to manage depression.

Exclusively for https://wisdomwithinct.com/

By: Stacey Thompson

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