Mental Health Benefits of Yoga: The Healing Power of the Breath

written by REGINA PALMER

LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

BROOK LANE HEALTH SERVICES

Before reading this column, notice how you feel at this moment. Are you anxious? you feel at this moment. Are you anxious? Angry? Overwhelmed? Take a second to get in touch with your body and your mind. Yoga is a union of mind, body and spirit to create balance. The word “yoga” actually means union. A common misconception in society is that we need to “ nd” our balance or “ find” our peace. However, what we really need to do is learn to create our peace, create our balance, and unify our mind, body and spirit. Place the palms of your hands together at the center of your chest. You are now in the position of “heart center.” Having your hands in this position is a way to create balance and peace. Now, take a deep breath in and raise your arms as you do so. Then, exhale and bring your hands back to heart center. Do this a few times at your own pace and then pause before continuing. Notice your energy now. Are you feeling more relaxed? Calmer? More at ease?

That is the power of the breath. How many times have you heard the phrase, “just take a deep breath” in moments when you are struggling? Taking a breath calms the central nervous system, which controls how we regulate our bodies and minds.

In the world of mental health, taking a deep breath is a powerful, commonly used coping mechanism. Through my experience as a licensed clinical professional counselor and through my yogic practice, I have learned that the most important tool I have is my breath. I frequently say, “I’m yoga breathing through it.”

My breath helps carry me through physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Your breath can help you, too.

I feel fortunate to have shared the power of the breath in the groups I lead in the inpatient psychiatric unit at Brook Lane. In the groups that incorporate yoga, I start the sessions the same way I began this column – by having the patients express how they are feeling at the beginning of the session. Next, we take some deep breaths, and then I ask them to become more aware of the difference in energy in the room. My patients often feel that the energy is calmer, which helps them realize the power of the breath.

Breathing is one of the most important aspects of yoga because you can tap into it anywhere. If you can utilize your breath, you gain control over your body and mind, which will help you de-escalate tough situations in a healthy and helpful way.

It is amazing to think that something so easy can be so powerful. In the full practice of yoga, breathing is just the beginning. Once you have mastered that, you can continue your yoga practice by learning positions, correct form and poses, all of which can help on your path to improved mental well-being.

It’s worth repeating that it is important to create your peace and balance rather than find it. Many people who struggle with mental illness find that difficult because they feel that all odds are against them. However, learning to control your breath can help you feel more in control of a situation. When you feel like you aren’t in control, anxiety and stress often are the result. However, it’s important to note that you can’t always be in control of everything, and that’s OK.

What you can always control is your breath. Our ability to breathe comes from within. If you stop to take a deep breath, it will help calm you, allowing you to pause and figure out how to create your balance and peace. If you can do that, you can unify the mind, body and spirit. That union can help you feel more stable, improving your mental wellness and creating a path to peace.

Namaste – a term often used in yoga as a greeting of appreciation of and respect to others – to each of you.