There’s no denying that us Brits have had it tough recently. With the United Kingdom being one of the countries most hard-hit by COVID, lockdown has seemed never-ending, and people are becoming desperate for a taste of freedom again. Being locked down in our homes is not only inconvenient, but for some people, it can also be incredibly lonely. The sudden onset of a pandemic and year-long restrictions on socialising is likely to be a shock to the system for most people, particularly those who live alone. Worrying research has found that more than half of adults and over two thirds of young people have reported that their mental health has got worse over lockdown. Even those who have never experienced mental health issues before the COVID pandemic are now struggling. The new roadmap out of lockdown is sure to have boosted many people’s moods, but until the time comes when life can resume back to normality, you might be looking for ways to take care of your mental health. Yoga is known for its psychological and emotional healing capabilities, but just what is it about this type of exercise that is so beneficial for our minds? Here 3 ways that yoga can positively affect your mood during lockdown: 

In these COVID times, it’s natural for your anxiety levels to be higher than normal. Not only is there a constant fear of catching and passing on the virus, but there’s also completely new anxieties that stem from learning about ever-changing lockdown rules, and the worry of when you’ll be able to see your loved ones again. Yoga works to decrease anxiety levels by teaching you to relax under physical duress, which you can then apply towards situations in your day-to-day life that may provoke anxious feelings. Yoga also teaches you how to breathe deeply and slowly, which is another essential technique for combatting anxiety. 

Since yoga is all about controlling your body, it makes sense that it can also help you to control your emotions. In fact, there are even specific poses for helping you with anger management, such as Balasana, Matsyasana and Sukhasana. Some of these poses work best with a yoga mat, so you should consider purchasing the correct equipment if you’re serious about your yoga practice. DN Fitness offer a great range of home gym equipment, including a yoga bundle which includes all the yoga essentials. They also offer individual yoga mats for those who are just starting out, or those who want to upgrade from their current mat. Using the correct equipment means that you’re more likely to see the benefits of your yoga practice sooner. 

With reduced anxiety comes better sleep, and this is just another one of the benefits you can enjoy from regularly practicing yoga. If your mind is calm, then it’s less likely to wander at night, making it easier for you to fall asleep. As yoga is also physically challenging, you body is likely to feel more tired at the end of the day simply from all the hard work it’s been putting in. When your muscles are tired, it’s much easier for your body to fall asleep.