SadNLonley Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I have heard so many good things about yoga. Ive actually been to a few PIYO classes which is pilates/yoga but only a few. Ive been dealing with depression and wondering if yoga helps the mind as much as it helps the body? I bought some beginner dvd's but havent tried them out yet. Im also trying meditation. Doesn't happen daily, but I'm working on it. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Any form of exercise is good. It releases endorphins, if you do it with a group of people oxytocin too (bonding in a group). Those are happy hormones very good when you are down. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Author SadNLonley Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 Any form of exercise is good. It releases endorphins, if you do it with a group of people oxytocin too (bonding in a group). Those are happy hormones very good when you are down. Even Yoga releases endorphins? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
KathyM Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I think it puts your mind in a more peaceful and contented state, which could help to relieve depressive symptoms somewhat. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
regine_phalange Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I have not done yoga while depressed, but sometimes when I do it (especially something a bit demanding, like the boat pose), I find myself smiling with no reason at all. It is just so nice. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
dichotomy Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I find yoga works best on anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and anger - it brings peace. But depression can take many forms and have many roots. It does work on depression if the yoga is a bit more energetic or challenging (some yoga makes you sweat) along those lines I find other heart raising exercise works better for pure depression. But ya - yoga is good for all mood. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Walk outside. You will get Vitamin D from the sun which is good for depression and other ailments. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Grumpybutfun Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Also, start with guided meditations. Otherwise, you may be like me and spend the entire time meditating on the back of your eyelids while snoring. I now have an app with a woman with a really strange voice who guides me and her voice wouldn't let a Narcoleptic fall asleep. Grumps 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Robert Z Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 (edited) FWIW, it has recently been discovered that forcing yourself to smile can make you feel happier - the chemistry goes both ways. Acting like you're happy helps to make you happier. So fake it until you make it! Edited June 25, 2014 by Robert Z 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Author SadNLonley Posted June 26, 2014 Author Share Posted June 26, 2014 FWIW, it has recently been discovered that forcing yourself to smile can make you feel happier - the chemistry goes both ways. Acting like you're happy helps to make you happier. So fake it until you make it! i actually tried this today in the car in rush hour. i forced a smile for 5 minutes. it helped. i may try it daily to see what it does 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Poppygoodwill Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 There are many types of yoga - some are very quiet and focus more on breathing and gentle stretching. Some - like Ashtanga - are very physical and leave you sweating. When I've been depressed or anxious, the quiet kind of yoga feels like too much time in my head, but the Ashtanga yoga leaves me calm and with a quiet mind becuase it takes so much concentration to find and hold the poses that I stop thinking about what's bugging me. Also anything that gets you breathing deeply is going to make you feel better. I suggest though finding a class and letting them lead you through it. A good class, a studio, not just a gym somewhere that does yoga as well. DVDs at home work for some poeple, but to get the most out of a new practice like yoga I think guided expertise is key. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
guest569 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Yes depends what type of yoga and the instructor. But i think anything that involves exercise and relaxation helps get you in a better mind set. It also builds confidence which has helped with my depression. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Miss Awesome Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Like a lot of people already said, any form of exercise is good for depression. I recently started swimming again, which motivated me to read about the benefits of swimming, and everything I read said that it's very relaxing and good for mental health. I tend to agree, but I may be biased because there's just something about being in the water that I love. Again, though, any exercise is good for improving mood and confidence and ability to cope with stress. The best exercise, of course, is one you'll do - and preferably one you actually enjoy! Good luck! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
guest569 Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I love swimming also, beIng submerged in water just so soothing and relaxing, especially with a hot spa or shower afterwards. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
GoreSP Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 i actually tried this today in the car in rush hour. i forced a smile for 5 minutes. it helped. i may try it daily to see what it does I'm not surprised. They have this thing now Laughing Yoga. Basically, your body can't tell the difference between a real laugh and a fake laugh. So you can just stand there with a smile and go ha!ha!ha! as if you were laughing. The effect on your mood will be instant and most of the time you'll end up laughing for real anyways (at yourself, but still lol) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
SpiralOut Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 It helped me. I had emotional numbness. I couldn't feel much of anything except anxiety and anger. The yoga helps connect you with your true feelings and thoughts. Depression affects people differently so how much it helps you depends on your symptoms. certain supplements are supposed to help like vitamin D, vitamin B complex, and omega 3 fatty acid. Being deficient in any of those can worsen depression. Link to post Share on other sites
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