As part of the human condition, whether you are suffering from a personal loss or are struggling to come to terms with what is going on in the world, all of us suffer from emotional pain at different points in our lives—and this can take a toll on our minds and bodies in a variety of ways.

Initially, we are likely to experience:

• Mental exhaustion

• Difficulty sleeping

• Loss of concentration

• Declining mental health

Emotional stress can also manifest physically in symptoms such as:

• Digestive issues

• Muscle pain

• Headaches

So what can help?

The Growing Awareness of Mind-Body Healing

In recent years, we’ve become much more aware of how the mind and body are linked. Practices such as yoga have become increasingly popular for this reason.

There are many ways to practice yoga:

• Join a class at Perennial Yoga in Fitchburg or Dragonfly Hot Yoga (locations throughout Madison)

• Search online classes—many are free and tailored to specific needs

• Use YouTube, which now features hundreds of instructors

Whether you practice in-person or virtually, the benefits remain the same. This month, we’re focusing on how restorative tools in yoga can help support your emotional healing.

Stress Relief

One of yoga’s most significant benefits is its ability to help manage overall stress.

• Yoga reduces cortisol (the primary stress hormone)

• Increases endorphins (natural mood elevators)

• Promotes a calmer, more relaxed state after practice

Whatever level of stress you’re experiencing, yoga can help ease it—both mentally and physically.

Mindfulness

Breathwork is at the core of every yoga sequence. By aligning movement with breath, yoga becomes a mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness helps by:

• Bringing your awareness into the present moment

• Letting go of past regrets or future expectations

• Decreasing rumination, or being stuck in one thought

According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness helps shift attention away from negative thinking—allowing for relief, even if just for the duration of class.

Meditation

Yoga is often referred to as “moving meditation.” Many sequences end with Savasana, a pose meant to fully relax the body while remaining aware and present.

Benefits of meditation in yoga:

• Increases mental resilience

• Can rival antidepressants for treating depression, anxiety, and pain

• Offers a retreat from emotional turmoil

A Johns Hopkins University study found meditation’s effectiveness in treating emotional pain is comparable to traditional medical treatments.

Whether you're practicing alone or with a group, yoga is one of the most wholesome ways to care for both your mind and body.

If you’re struggling with emotional pain—especially after losing a loved one—please know that we are here for you.
You can find support here or reach our team.