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Yoga involves exercises that focus on breathing, meditation and poses to enhance flexibility and strength. Board-certified osteopathic family physician and yoga instructor Dr. Natalie Nevins explains that yoga's aim is for mind-body harmony, which is aligned with osteopathic medicine because of its proactive approach.

Aside from the physical advantages, yoga is known for its benefits on mental well-being. Here are some of them:

It helps relieve stress and anxiety 

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, like generalized anxiety, social anxiety and specific phobias. Chronic stress can align with these disorders. In different studies, researchers proposed yoga asana as a complementary treatment for stress, anxiety and depression.

It helps improve sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for a person's mental well-being. In several studies, aerobic mind-body exercises like yoga have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing how quickly people fall asleep and how deeply they stay asleep. 

In one study, it was even proven to be more beneficial than non-active control conditions in terms of managing sleep problems in women with medical conditions. In a study, researchers recommend yoga nidra or yogic sleep -- a practice that induces a state of deep relaxation while maintaining awareness -- for the management of chronic insomnia.

It boosts self-esteem

Adolescents and young adults face significant body image and self-esteem challenges. Yoga has been shown to impact self-esteem and body image in this demographic positively. In one study, researchers found that it is associated with improved body satisfaction in participants with low body satisfaction. 

Similarly, in another study, yoga was proven to have a positive impact on body image through the perceived physical changes of participants, gratitude for their bodies, a sense of accomplishment within the practice and improved self-confidence.