YOGA AND THE PSYCHE : discovering the personal benefits of the mind, body, and spiritual connection

This research paper was completed and submitted at Nipissing University, and is made freely accessible through the University of Toronto’s TSpace repositoryExercise and recent research, demonstrate the value of both for psychiatric illness. Studies suggest that 1 in 5 Canadians will be affected by a mental health diagnosis at least once through the span of their lifetime. With 21% of Canada?s total population being diagnosed, 12% are specifically affected by anxiety, the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2016a). A close second is depression, affecting 9% of all Canadians (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2016b). New evidence suggests that yoga has a positive influence on the reduction of symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Through an extensive literature review, and my own personal story, this research paper will discuss the positive benefits of exercise, specifically yoga, on mental health. It will highlight the types of yoga practice, the benefits to the implementation, and the positive psychological and physiological outcomes of practice. This is a narrative, autobiographical research paper of my journey to balanced and holistic health and the development of an enhanced mind, body, and spiritual connection