The Power of Combining Yoga and Mental Health Practices

Why Do We Feel Stressed and Overwhelmed?

Have you ever noticed how your heart races before an exam or big presentation? Or how your muscles feel tense after a long, exhausting day? That’s not “just in your head.” It’s biology.

When we’re stressed, the body activates the “fight or flight” response. This means:

• The brain releases cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones that prepare us to react.

• Heartbeat increases, breathing becomes shallow, and muscles tighten.

• Over time, if stress keeps repeating, the body stays in “high alert” mode—leading to anxiety, poor sleep, and even digestive issues.

This is why you can feel mentally drained and physically exhausted at the same time.

How Yoga Helps on a Biological Level

Yoga works like a natural reset button for your nervous system. Here’s what happens when you combine yoga with mental health practices:

• Breathing slows cortisol release: Deep, mindful breathing signals the brain that you’re safe, lowering stress hormones.

• Movement releases tension: Gentle stretches and poses relax tight muscles, reducing physical stress stored in the body.

• Balance in the nervous system: Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system often called the “rest and digest” mode helping you calm down.

• Mind-body awareness grows: You learn to notice your emotions and thoughts without letting them control you, which reduces anxiety.

  
  

When paired with counselling, journaling, or mindfulness practices, yoga becomes even more powerful—it helps you process thoughts while your body supports the calming process.

Stress happens because of real biological changes in your brain and body. But just as the body can switch into “fight or flight,” it can also switch back into calm and balance and yoga is one of the most effective, natural ways to do that.

By combining yoga with mental health practices, you’re not just exercising you’re rewiring your body to respond to stress with resilience, focus, and peace.

Ready to begin? Take 5 minutes today to breathe, stretch, and reflect. And if you’d like guidance, explore our 1:1 counselling sessions and yoga workshops designed for students, adults, and parents.