More men should consider joining a yoga class, as the ancient Indian practice offers mental health benefits.
File photo/ iStock
Women predominantly fill up yoga classes in the Western world, but many more men are embracing it for a surprising reason.
Men’s mental health is in the spotlight in June, with organisations worldwide raising awareness on an issue that is often neglected.
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, South Africa is among the top ten countries in the world with the highest suicide rates.
Research has shown that not only do women talk about mental health more than their male counterparts, but they are also more likely to seek professional help.
Growing up, boys are told to “man up” or told to wipe their tears and keep moving.
Men are seen as the stronger sex, who always have to hold it together. It’s a complex issue with multiple causes, but Men’s Mental Health Month aims to make it clearer that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness.
Yoga is a normal part of life for men in India, but it is less popular among men outside the country.
That is slowly changing, as many now realise that yoga is more than just an exercise that improves flexibility.
It is also good for your mental health. Here’s a look at some of the benefits – just in time for International Day of Yoga (IDY) taking place at the Durban Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Yoga helps reduce stress
Mindfulness practices like yoga are becoming increasingly popular as a mental health aid because studies show they help reduce stress.
“The practice of yoga offers a promising avenue for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being,” an article published in the International Journal of Yoga states.
“The incorporation of deliberate, measured movements, conscious breathing, and mindfulness strategies in yoga exercises facilitates the stimulation of the PNS nervous system, resulting in a state of relaxation.”
Helps you sleep better
Poor sleep can affect your mental health. If you are struggling to fall asleep due to stress or anxiety, yoga can help you calm your mind. Harvard Health recommends doing the following yoga poses before bedtime.
- Wide-knee child’s pose (balasana)
- Standing forward bend (uttanasana)
- Standing half forward bend (ardha uttanasana) at the wall
- Reclining bound angle (supta baddha konasana)
- Legs up the wall pose (viparita karani)
Don’t be afraid to speak to a professional if you are struggling with your mental health. Speaking to a family member or close friend also helps.
“This year’s theme —’Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan’—highlights the role that families, communities, and care partners play in supporting healthier outcomes for men,” the Men’s Mental Health Month website said.
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