What’s the one common thing that most people hear nowadays, including you? Yes, exactly, “you look tired, what happened? Didn’t sleep last night?” But only you know that you sleep but can’t sleep efficiently which is taking a toll on your mental health. Stress and Anxiety have become constant companions of most people, which sometimes even result in higher cholesterol.
Yoga and Ayurveda are natural ways to nurture mental health. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system along with Yoga offer simple yet powerful solutions to manage stress, improve mental health and support cholesterol management. Let’s understand how these practices can bring balance and vitality into our tired lives.
Yoga for Cholesterol and Mental Health
Yoga isn’t just a physical exercise which only benefits physical health, but it's a natural and holistic practice that benefits both body and mind. Practicing yoga regularly can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones and improve mental health.
Yoga Poses for Mental Health
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Marjaryasana- This yoga pose helps you to connect your breath to your movements as you feel your mind calming and relieving stress.
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Balasana- A restorative pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Reduced stress level leads to lower cholesterol.
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Shavasana- This pose helps you focus on breathing deeply, it is a complete relaxation pose to reduce stress and anxiety.
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Pranayama- Reduces stress and oxygenates the body, improving overall wellness.
Yoga For Cholesterol
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Chakrasana- This pose soothes the abdominal organs and helps reduce constipation. It also improves the functioning of the liver which leads to eliminating excess fat and cholesterol.
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Sarvangasana- A yoga pose which requires balancing the whole body on the shoulders to help influence the functioning of all parts of your body. This asana is highly beneficial in maintaining mental and physical health. It is considered as the best yoga for cholesterol.
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Dhanurasana- It improves liver function and fat metabolism. Stretches the abdominal region.
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Paschimottanasana- This pose boosts the liver and kidney which reduces obesity and eliminates all the excess fat from the abdominal region
Ayurveda for Depression and Mental Health
Ayurveda understands mental health as a balance between the mind and the body and soul. When the doshas are imbalanced, especially Vata and Pitta, it leads to problems like stress, anxiety and depression. Ayurveda advises on the uses of herbs, diet and everyday practices to restore balance.
Ayurveda for Mental Health
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Ashwagandha for Mental Health- It is known as the “stress-buster herb,” Ashwagandha helps maintain required cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and boosts resilience to stress. Regular use of Ashwagandha can work miraculously for mental health.
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Ayurveda for Depression- Ayurvedic remedies aim to restore balance in the body. Herbal formulations and stress-management techniques like meditation enhance mental resilience and improve mood, fostering a healthier mind and body connection. Ayurvedic remedies focus on nourishing the nervous system. Herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi are calming and supportive for managing mild depression.
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Stress-Reducing Ayurvedic Tips-
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Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Soothes nerves and promotes relaxation.
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Herbal Teas: Tulsi or Ashwagandha tea aids in calming the mind.
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Diet: A Vata-pacifying diet, including warm, nourishing foods, is recommended.
Yoga for Cholesterol and Mental Health
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice of physical postures and mindfulness, which is not only beneficial for mental health but also for managing cholesterol levels. Yoga does not have a direct approach, it will not target that specific issue but it will affect it indirectly like improving blood circulation and supporting cardiovascular health, which leads to healthy cholesterol levels.
By managing stress through yoga and promoting cardiovascular wellness, you can maintain both mental health and optimal cholesterol levels.
How to Incorporate Ayurveda?
Incorporating Ashwagandha for mental health and Yoga for cholesterol is a simple task, you just need to be disciplined to remain consistent-
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Set a Routine- Begin your day with yoga asanas and stretches along with some time of meditation.
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Incorporate Ayurveda- Add Ashwagandha powder or supplements and herbal teas for stress relief and better management.
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Dietary Changes- Eliminate processes and unhealthy foods. Opt for warm, whole foods with spices like turmeric and cumin (jeera) for better gut health and immunity.
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Be Consistent- When you are consistent you reap the fruits of your labor.
Conclusion
Yoga and Ayurveda together create a powerful combination to nurture mental health. They help in stress, anxiety, and depression with their natural and sustainable solutions. With yoga for cholesterol and relaxation management and Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha for mental health, you can achieve a balanced and resilient mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does yoga help with mental health?
Yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and balances the mind through practices like asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. These techniques can improve mood, lower anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression.
2. Can yoga really help lower cholesterol levels?
Yes, yoga improves overall heart health by reducing stress and improving blood circulation, which can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels over time. Regular practice, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can lead to significant benefits.
3. How can Ayurveda help with depression?
Ayurveda addresses depression holistically, focusing on balancing doshas, detoxifying the body, and using herbs like Ashwagandha for mental health, Brahmi for calming properties, and Shatavari for mental health management. It also emphasizes lifestyle changes like meditation and yoga.
READ MORE- AYURVEDA FOR MENTAL WELLNESS
