The Vedas are the oldest recorded works on yoga. These ancient texts were written around eight to ten thousands years ago, and are the result of thousands of years of prehistoric cultures. Many historians tie the earliest yogic practices to Stone Age Shamanistic Cultures. Early Yoga was about good health and developing social skills. The practice was deeply rooted to religious tradition and meant for whole communities. Modern yoga practitioners are heavily influenced by the Vedas philosophy.
The practice of yoga is spiritual in nature and focuses on harmony of body and mind. This practice is more than just the asanas. It also aims to improve the mind. Yoga's purpose is to unify the mind and body with universal, divine consciousness. Individual consciousness is the perception of reality. Divine consciousness, on the other hand, is the essence and truth of the universe. Yoga leads to moksha (or freedom), which is the ultimate goal.
But, ancient texts emphasize the importance and value of yoga postures. Many of us know that yoga postures are important for our mental and physical well-being. However, Patanjali stressed that they were only one part of the practice. Yoga practice is not limited to stretching and balancing. There are many ways to make your body and mind more harmonious.
Ashtanga is the earliest form of Jain yoga. It is based on a series a postures. The practice forces the body to heat up its internal elements. It purifies itself and increases circulation. This process also gives you a greater sense of purpose. Yoga practice is guided by specific guidelines. It is recommended to learn the Ashtanga system from a qualified instructor to ensure that you do not make any mistakes.
After performing the asanas, the practitioner must practice meditation. This requires a lot of practice but it is vital that the practitioner develops a strong body for greater concentration. Asana practice helps to cultivate harmony and peace of the mind. Yoga is a great way to conquer your ego and reach higher spiritual levels. It is also the foundation of a well-balanced mind.
Many people practice yoga with different goals. Some people seek to achieve physical or mental fitness. Others strive to attain insight and transcend duhkha. All share the same goals. The primary goal of yoga is to slow down the mind and increase meditation. The ultimate goal of all practices is to achieve this goal. Yoga's philosophical systems are diverse, so it is important to get the best advice from someone who understands them.
FAQ
How does mental health affect my relationships?
Your mental health affects every aspect of your life. It can impact your ability to function well at home, school and work. A mental illness can make it difficult for you to have meaningful relationships.
A mental health condition can make it easy to isolate oneself from others. Because you feel that no one understands, you may avoid social situations.
It's important to remember, however, that people want to be with you. You only need to teach them how to approach you.
Talking to people about your feelings is a good way to connect with others. Ask them to help you.
Why is mental well-being important?
Work, play and learn. Love. Mental health is about our overall well-being. This includes all the factors that can impact our mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being every day. There are many ways you can take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. You don’t have to do it all. Just get started!
Understanding where you are now is the first step to improving your mental health. Take this quiz to see if you're doing enough for your mental well-being. If you're not satisfied with your results, you might consider making lifestyle changes.
Congratulations! Now, look at some specific things you can do to help maintain and improve your mental health.
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Get enough sleep You can keep your brain sharp, energized and alert by getting enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), suggests that you get 7-8 hours of rest each night.
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Exercise Regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you happier and less likely stress. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.
How can one determine if they have a mental health condition?
An individual may be diagnosed if they experience symptoms that disrupt their daily activities. The symptoms of mental disorders vary from person-to-person. The most common symptoms are: sadness, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, loneliness, depressed and confused, worthless or guilty, suicidal thoughts, and feeling sad.
A person can also be diagnosed as having a mental disorder if they fulfill at least three of the criteria listed below.
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Disturbed feelings or thoughts
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Disturbed behavior
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Disturbance of functioning
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Impairment in the ability to relate to others
Why is mental wellbeing important?
Everyone's mental health is important. You can't do anything else if you aren't mentally well. Maintaining a healthy mind is crucial.
Stress can cause mental problems and even physical symptoms. This could cause problems in the body such as backaches, stomachaches, headaches and stomach pains. For our minds and bodies to be healthy, we need to take care of ourselves.
Statistics
- Neuropsychiatric diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., accounting for 18.7 percent of all years of potential lifespan loss and premature mortality.
- It means no drinking any alcoholic beverages and no taking any drugs that aren't 100% natural.
- According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans experiences mental health issues which translates to more than 40 million adults a year. (doctorondemand.com)
- In any given year, an estimated 18.1% (43.6 million) of U.S. adults ages 18 years or older suffered from any mental illness, and 4.2% (9.8 million) (healthypeople.gov)
- It does have some influence, but not nearly as much as we might think, so focusing less on attaining wealth will likely make you happier (Aknin, Norton, & Dunn, 2009); (positivepsychology.com)
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How To
How to find out if you should seek the help of a mental health specialist
There are some indicators that will alert you to the possibility of professional assistance. Any warning signs should be spotted and consulted a doctor.
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You feel like your control is being lost.
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You are having difficulty sleeping.
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When you try to focus, your thoughts race.
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You start to think about suicide.
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You feel hopeless.
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You feel like life isn't worth living.
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You're losing interest in the things that you once loved.
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You have stopped eating.
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You have become withdrawn.
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To cope with stress, you may have tried to use drugs or alcohol.
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You are starting to lose family or friends.
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Other physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, backaches and headaches may also be present.
These are all signs that you should look out for.