Laughing yoga may help relieve depression and anxiety symptoms
If you suffer from depression and anxiety symptoms, you know firsthand how frightening, uncomfortable and debilitating they may be. Leading a life full of fear and sadness is no way to live, which is one reason why so many people who struggle with mental illness choose to engage in yoga as a way to find inner peace.
The Eastern art has helped countless Westerners feel more grounded, centered and complete in a hectic world rife with tension and anxiety. A holistic mind-body regimen focusing on breathing exercises, poses and stretches, the program can enhance flexibility, strengthen the body and calm the mind in order to help one achieve optimal well-being.
Although some people practice yoga for weight loss, the majority of enthusiasts choose the mindfulness system to help themselves relieve stress. Adding laughter – which is known to have many positive effects on both mind and body – can make yoga a truly powerful preventative against depressive symptoms.
According to yoga instructor Le Anh Son, who incorporates giggles and chuckles into every one of the classes he introduced in Vietnam, "the biggest impact that [laughing yoga] has on society is it makes people more friendly, creates a friendly society where people have the habit of being friendly, to smile to each other," quoted by the Times of India.
He added that there is a Vietnamese saying that goes: "A good laugh is equal to 10 prescriptions of medicine."
Chortling and guffawing during a gentle session of yoga may be just what stressed or anxious individuals need to feel more relaxed. Uttering a few hearty laughs while stretching, meditating, breathing and posing may enable them to feel calmer and alleviate symptoms of depression.
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Tags: depression and anxiety, depression and anxiety symptoms, weight loss, yoga for weight loss
