How can we make a depressed person interested in yoga therapy?

It may be good to encourage someone who is depressed to do yoga for therapeutic purposes.
Yoga has been demonstrated to improve mental health, including symptom reduction for
depression and anxiety.
• Inform them of the advantages: provide knowledge on the benefits of yoga for mental
health. Describe how frequent practise has been connected to greater mood, better
sleep, increased relaxation, and lower stress.
• Pick the right yoga style: Not all yoga styles are created equal, and some may be more
suited for people who are depressed. Yoga that is moderate or restorative, like Hatha
or Yin, emphasises relaxation and mild stretching. These looks may feel more
approachable to someone who is experiencing low energy levels because they are less
physically taxing.
• Offer to practice together: Invite the person to join you for a yoga session or suggest
attending a yoga class together. Practicing together can provide a sense of support and
motivation, making it easier for them to start and stick with the practice.
• Encourage them to begin with brief yoga sessions, especially if they are inexperienced
practitioners or have little energy. Yoga sessions of even 10 to 15 minutes can be
helpful. Increase the duration gradually as they become used to it and establish a habit.
• Concentrate on basic yoga positions and breathing techniques. Start with poses that
are easily accessible and demand little physical effort. For relaxation and stress
reduction, gentle stretches, seated positions, and breathing techniques like deep belly
breathing or alternate nostril breathing can be especially beneficial.
• Remind them that yoga is a non-competitive practise and that there is no need to
compare oneself to others or strive for perfection. Instead, place an emphasis on self-
compassion and non-judgment. As they go through the process, remind them to pay
attention to their bodies, respect their boundaries, and engage in self-compassion.
• Emphasise the relationship between the mind and the body by describing how yoga
integrates physical activity with mindfulness and breath awareness. Stress the mind-
body connection and how doing yoga may help people relax, feel better, and re-connect
with their bodies.
• Working with an experienced instructor can offer tailored advice, adjustments, and
assurance that they are practising in a secure and encouraging atmosphere.

What if the person is not physically abled to do the Yoga in Yoga therapy?
There are still many ways to use yoga as a therapeutic practise if the person is not physically
capable of performing the standard yoga positions.
• Chair yoga: Chair yoga changes conventional poses so that they can be performed
either sitting in a chair or using a chair as a prop. People with physical limitations or
limited mobility should choose this variant. It emphasises soft motions, stretches, and
breathing techniques that can be modified to the individual's capabilities.

• Restorative yoga: In restorative yoga, supported positions are held for a long time,
frequently with the aid of bolsters, blankets, and blocks as props. Deep relaxation,
stress reduction, and healing are all supported by these postures. For anyone with
physical limitations or chronic pain, restorative yoga can be very helpful.

• Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation are also a part of yoga, which is not
simply about physical postures. Even if the person is unable to do the physical parts of
yoga, encourage them to practise deep breathing exercises and guided meditations.
These techniques can ease anxiety, create mental peace, and improve general health.

• Gentle stretching and mobility exercises: Encourage the person to practise gentle
stretching and mobility exercises that are appropriate for their physical capabilities if
 they are unable to perform yoga poses. These exercises can aid in improving
circulation, releasing stress, and increasing flexibility. They can be performed while
seated or modified to the individual's comfort level.

• Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided relaxation practice that
helps induce a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. It does not involve physical
movement and can be done lying down or seated comfortably. Yoga Nidra can be
highly beneficial for reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting better sleep.