What is Depression?
Today, depression is a common problem that affects people of all ages all over the world. Many people experience this persistent poor mood despite moving up the ladder of so-called growth. When depression first begins to manifest minor symptoms, its reasons are frequently unknown, and it goes unnoticed. We typically start to take depression more seriously only when it reaches a critical stage and a person begins having suicidal thoughts. A less serious stage is when someone loses their motivation to do anything in life, their daily routine feels burdensome, and they start to avoid social situations. Now is the time to take the condition seriously and get the necessary medical attention.
Milder symptoms of depression include attempting to avoid particular social settings, not enjoying an activity that was formerly enjoyable, not feeling like taking care of oneself or having trouble grooming oneself. These are less severe symptoms that, with a little understanding, can be treated with small lifestyle adjustments or, perhaps, just a discussion with a dependable mentor or friend. We all experience these moments where a small adjustment to our attitude or outlook can lift our spirits.
It is true that everyone can experience depression at any time. We can work to prevent diseases of the mind just like we would any other physical ailment. We can undoubtedly lead lives that are emotionally better by incorporating the yoga disciplines into both our physical and mental practices. It is also true that some lifestyle choices can help prevent and, in many cases, even cure depression. It might not always be a replacement for medical care, but it is unquestionably a potent addition. Fortunately for us, the ancient science and practice of yoga are also becoming more and more well-known around the world, much way an antiviral drug does after a virus has spread.
Meaning of Yoga
Most of us think of yoga as a form of exercise requiring both strength and flexibility. Some of us are also aware of breathwork, which is said to treat a variety of medical conditions. This is a rather constrained understanding of yoga. Yoga transcends asanas, pranayamas, and even the physical body. Although everyone can define yoga in their own unique way because it is such a personal or tailored way of living, there are a few accepted definitions.
The ancient Indian sacred text known as the Bhagavad Gita states, “Samatvam Yog Uchyate,” or “Yoga is that which creates equanimity.” It is widely accepted that everyone experiences ups and downs in life. It’s intriguing to see how external events or circumstances can cause ups and downs without affecting one’s mental state. Yoga practice on a regular basis can help us get there. Slowly, we can arrive at a place where we don’t care about compliments or criticism, achievements or failures, and we can simply enjoy life and learn from it. While nevertheless enthusiastic, this frame of mind is free of overexcitement and irrational expectations. Developing these traits in our lives will undoubtedly help us avoid depression.
We frequently become mired in a train of thinking in which we even imagine events that don’t exist or are unlikely to occur. We are continually entertained by the game of emotions and thinking processes. Yoga is described as having the ability to control thought waves in the phrase “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha.” Sometimes all it takes to feel better right away is to simply give our minds a break from their continual activity. With consistent yoga practice, this becomes second nature to us. As we become more conscious, we begin to distinguish between the thinking necessary for action and the mind chatter that is pointless.
Yoga is sometimes defined as “skill in action” or “yoga karmasu kaushalam,” according to this popular definition. Life presents us with a variety of challenges, some positive and some not. When one is already in a predicament, yoga can greatly assist in using the best course of action to handle it with skill. With practice, one begins to become more intuitive, which helps them make better decisions and start mentally preparing them for the results. One useful aspect of yoga that can be used in daily life is this. Whatever we do at work, at home, or in our personal and professional relationships, it always requires skills. Yoga can help you become more effective at anything from basic life skills like organizing your closet and cooking to soft skills like negotiation and communication.
Yoga- Physical and Mental Disciplines
There are some fundamental practices that are advised for every yoga practitioner to practice as they have the opportunity to delve deeply into the philosophy of yoga. The physical disciplines involve practicing yoga asanas and pranayamas until one becomes proficient in them as well as maintaining good personal hygiene. Not only that, but yoga practitioners can learn to manage their senses through time, which is another crucial ability. The mental disciplines are what help us maintain a mind that is clear of impure thoughts and emotions. We learn how to handle painful emotions like sadness, resentment, jealousy, greed, and wrath. When we take the time to discover who we are, contentment begins to grow within us. Maintaining all these yoga practices is a surefire strategy to ward off depression. For someone experiencing depression, the path might be quite interesting. Understanding such profound insight will not only benefit you but will also enable you to assist others.
How yoga affects our internal organs?
People who have long-term illnesses or undiagnosed health problems frequently experience depression as well. Our physical well-being starts to get better as soon as we adopt a yogic lifestyle. We don’t necessarily need to understand the root of our issues, but we gradually begin to feel more energetic, alive, and positive. This has a scientific justification. As we perform the various asanas and pranayamas, our internal organs become stronger and start to operate at their peak potential. Many problems are resolved even before they start to manifest themselves externally. It is interesting how each exercise we engage in has numerous good side effects in addition to its many benefits.
Yoga improves Hormones
Any form of exercise raises our levels of the hormone serotonin, which makes us feel good. This serotonin, which is present in many antidepressants and produces a temporary feeling of happiness and well-being. Instead of taking these tablets, you can improve your serotonin levels at any time by engaging in even a light exercise like yoga. Yoga is cost-free and may be practiced anywhere without experiencing any unfavorable side effects. Dopamine is a different happy hormone that is improved by deep breathing and meditation. Yoga is good for us, and our bodies appreciate it. Our oxytocin levels increase along with our interpersonal abilities and self-love and self-care practices. Numerous scientific studies support this conclusion, and practitioners can naturally experience these advantages nearly right away.
Looking Inward and Letting Go
Many of us are unaware that bhakti-yoga is a distinct branch of yoga. It promotes the practice of surrender and places more emphasis on the mind and emotions. No matter what religion we are raised in, it makes sense to have faith in something bigger than ourselves. Knowing that a joyful state is achievable with a little faith and feelings of love for the divine. When we experience trauma in life, faith provides us with the strength and security we need. Through meditation, we can better connect with and comprehend ourselves. We can choose helpful thoughts and let go of the unhelpful ones if we are able to fully see all that is happening in our minds. This procedure aids in maintaining our emotional stability and mental clarity. In a similar way to conversing with a friend or even a therapist, you might start to comprehend a problem simply by talking about it.
Restoring your Life Back in Order
Yoga exercises have the power to heal our emotional traumas, whether they are performed on a physical or mental level. It can aid in both our physical improvement and the eradication of negative thoughts. Such is yoga’s power. With a Guru’s blessing, sincerity, and respect for yoga teachings, these advantages can be attained. Within a few minutes, a lot of changes that affect our thoughts and feelings take place at a very delicate level. We can establish harmony between the mind, body, and spirit by releasing the energy that has been held in unproductive areas of the body and allowing it to circulate in a healthy way. Don’t mistake yoga for merely a physical activity; it may be incredibly beneficial, especially for conditions like despair.
