The Effects of Yoga on Anxiety and Depression: A Personal Journey

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are common mental health concerns for many people in our society with various alternative non-pharmacological treatments known to be beneficial. Yoga is one such effective treatment. This qualitative thesis aims to explore what it is about yoga that helps alleviate anxiety and depression. With an autoethnography method using self-reflection, it shares the personal journey of a yoga practitioner exploring the benefits of a regular yoga practice on mental well-being. A review on the literature of yoga’s therapeutic effects will be discussed as well as the results from this study.