A very current and significant news topic related to health and wellbeing in Victoria, Australia, is the expansion of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across the state, Beyogalates advocates for this.
This July the Victorian Department of Health announced that 7 new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are set to open, building on the success of the existing 15. Thankfully, these services provide free mental health and wellbeing support without the need for a referral or Medicare card. This initiative is a direct response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System,, aiming to create a more connected, responsive, and community-based mental health system.
As a physiotherapist consulting clients with chronic injury, pain, loss of confidence, menopause and effects of aging I applaud this move.
In my role I also reiterate that wellbeing workshops can be incredibly beneficial for mental health by addressing a range of factors that contribute to emotional distress and by promoting positive coping mechanisms.
Yogalates, mindful movement, breath work and self awareness is a holistic approach that offers several mental health benefits:
Stress Reduction:
Yogalates practice helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response, counteracting the “fight or flight” stress response. Deep breathing exercises calm the nervous system, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Anxiety and Depression Relief:
Regular movement and breath practice has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can increase the production of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play a crucial role in mood regulation.
Mindfulness and Presence:
Yogalates encourages focusing on the present moment, breath, and body sensations. This cultivates mindfulness, which helps individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing rumination and overthinking that often contribute to mental distress.
Emotional Regulation:
Through increased self-awareness and the practice of observing emotions, yogalates practice and workshops and retreats can help individuals develop better emotional regulation skills, allowing them to respond to challenging situations more skillfully rather than reacting impulsively.
Improved Sleep:
The calming effects of yogalates particularly through relaxation and breathing techniques, can significantly improve sleep quality and address insomnia, which is often linked to mental health issues.
Enhanced Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem:
By connecting with their bodies and minds, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their inner landscape. Achieving poses and progressing in practice can also boost confidence and self-esteem.
GABA Release:
Some research suggests that yoga practice facilitates a greater release of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) from the thalamus. GABA acts as an “inhibitor” in the brain, suppressing neural activity and producing a calming effect.
Wellbeing workshops often complement the wellbeing and mental health by providing structured learning, practical tools, and a supportive environment. They can focus on various aspects of mental well-being.
Workshops can increase understanding of mental health conditions, protective factors, and warning signs, helping participants recognize when they or others might need support.
Coping Strategies and Practical Tools
These workshops often teach evidence-based strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. This can include:
Mindfulness techniques:
Beyond what yoga offers, workshops might delve deeper into different mindfulness meditations or exercises.
Cognitive restructuring:
Learning to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
Emotional regulation skills:
Specific techniques for processing and managing emotions.
Self-care strategies:
Developing personalized self-care plans.
Building Resilience:
Workshops can focus on building resilience, equipping individuals with the skills to navigate challenges, cope with change, and bounce back from adversity.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Some workshops focus on improving communication, fostering healthier relationships, and building social connections, all of which are vital for mental well-being.
Stress Management Techniques:
Beyond physical relaxation, workshops can explore various stress management approaches, including time management, boundary setting, and problem-solving.
Community and Connection:
Participating in workshops often creates a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing mental health challenges. Sharing experiences and learning with others can foster a supportive environment.
Promoting Proactive Mental Health:
Wellbeing workshops often shift the focus from solely treating illness to promoting proactive mental health and preventing issues from escalating.
Identifying Support Pathways:
Many workshops provide information on how to access further resources and professional support if needed, linking participants to relevant services like the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Victoria.
In essence, yogalates mindful movement and breathwork particularly in a workshop or retreat provide a powerful mind-body practice that directly impacts physiological and psychological states, Together, they form a comprehensive approach to supporting and improving mental well-being.
See you on the mat,
Lisa x
