Practiced and appreciated worldwide, Yoga is commonly known as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. Its many forms have been on the rise around many parts of the globe for some time now. Meditation also has a vast following. It refers to any family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or her mind, or self-induces a mode of consciousness, in order to realize some benefit. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts fully embraces both Yoga and Mediation, and offers many wonderful programs for people to become instructors or certified. In a recent article from www.phoenix.edu, they explore the idea that yoga and meditation can actually help improve study habits, as well as overall mental health and physical health! Let's explore...
"We don’t usually think of yoga, meditation, and studying in the same sentence, but it’s no secret that many forms of exercise — both mental and physical — can contribute directly to improved mental focus and concentration. Both yoga and most forms of meditation include an increased focus on long, deep, slow breaths, as well as the coordination of mental concentration with some kind of structured activity, such as yoga poses, breath patterns, chanting or even just focusing your gaze on a specific spot. All of these activities have been shown to help increase the body’s relaxation response and to reduce the production of adrenaline (our bodies’ chemical "fight or flight" response to stressors). Since adrenaline and the stressors that cause it can contribute directly to anxiety, nervousness and the distracting "mental chatter" that can build up when we are stressed out, any activity that can help combat these issues can also help improve your overall mental focus." - Jill Elaine Hughes, UOPX Writer Network, College of Social Sciences
Yoga and Meditation Effects On The Body:
Both have been found to cause a biochemical effect on the human body, resembling benefits of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. Both are thought to reduce adrenaline production, reduce production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, and increase the hormone oxytocin. Therefore, an overall feeling of calmness and well-being is heightened. This results in multiple benefits, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We could all use a dose of these at one time or another!
Also reported in the above article was information from a New Jersey-based psychotherapist and university professor, Diane Lang, who incorporates various meditative activities into her coursework. Lang says, "In my classes I require all my students to do two random acts of kindness per day, and then report on it. Socialization and interpersonal communication is becoming a lost art today due to the explosion in technology, and that contributes to anxiety and a reduced sense of self." What a great idea!
Lang also recommends "gratitude checks" to her students and psychotherapy clients. Her description: "Each morning and evening, you make a list of what you’re thankful for in that given day. By taking a few minutes to do this each day, you can begin and end your day in a positive state of mind." Lang recommends further, doing simple daily activities such as walking or other regular exercises to promote mental health. "We know scientifically that if you walk, it reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins, resulting in mental wellness. Exercise produces a lot of happiness and has a calming effect, and so can things like gratitude checks and similar activities. All of these things are excellent for mental focus and well-being, the trick is finding what works best for you," says Lang.
If you are curious about trying either of these aspects, or both Yoga and Meditation, take a class to see what all the buzz is about. You might discover a new part of yourself you never knew existed! Yoga Programs offered at SWIHA are designed to support those who wish to deepen their personal spiritual connection while mastering the principles and practice of yoga. Blending the highest intentions of Eastern & Western philosophy and practice, our life-changing and career-elevating programs guide students through a deep exploration of the roots, practice, and development of yoga as a path to self-realization. Meditation is incorporated to many of the Yoga Techniques. Learn more at beayogateacher.com
