Everyone feels ‘blue’ from time to time, but when depression deepens or persists for a long time, it can suppress your energy for living and make you more vulnerable to disease by dampening the immune system. Depression is sometimes a warning that may help you to protect your mental and physical health. It can be viewed as a signpost, signaling ‘it’s time for a change’.
The first thing a depressed person does is stop moving. Regular exercise becomes intolerable. But yoga poses, starting with as few as three poses a day in just a few minutes time, coupled with correct breath patterns, can become so pleasant to you that soon you will want to do more and more. The heavy, unmoving feeling of depression will be on the run. Yoga poses put pressure on glands and organs, helping them to produce the soothing healing chemical balance that is needed to feel well and be well. Yoga improves circulation, sending invigorating oxygen to our brain and all your muscles. The stretching and strengthening movements flush toxins from the body as well.
Often depression sneaks in slowly as breathing patterns change from too much sitting at a desk, stress, age, or illness. ‘The deep invigorating breath techniques of yoga bring large amounts of fresh oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. Like a spring wind, it blows through the system bringing new light and strength to the unused parts of the body and mind where depression hides.
Complete relaxation and meditation practice show you how to access the strength and power of your inner self for a support system that keeps you going through all the ups and downs of your life.
Regular practice will protect you from depressions and help you stay bright-minded, while recognizing the signals that depression is giving you.. to begin, choose three poses that appeal to you and do them each day. Then, as you get more comfortable, expend our routine to give yourself more of a challenge and increase the beneficial effects.