Yoga for Mental Wellness: More Than Movement

Yoga is about physical flexibility and strength— but it’s also a mental and emotional practice that helps calm the mind, regulate the nervous system, and build resilience. On this International Day of Yoga (June 21), we’re highlighting how even a few minutes of yoga each day can support your mental health. At Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara, we support integrating movement, mindfulness, and breath into mental wellness care.

Why Yoga Supports Mental Health

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and emotional regulation
• Increased self-awareness and mindfulness
• Better sleep and energy levels
• Improved focus and cognitive performance

How to Start: You Don’t Need to Be Flexible

Yoga is for every body. You don’t need expensive gear, a studio membership, or advanced poses to benefit. Start with 5–10 minutes a day using:

• Simple breathing techniques like box breathing
• Gentle movement or chair yoga
• Mindfulness-based yoga classes (many are free or donation-based)

Learn how mindfulness practices are part of our programs

Local Santa Barbara Yoga Resources

1. Mental Wellness Center (Community Classes & Programs)
   • Offers workshops that incorporate mindfulness and movement for mental wellness
   • https://mentalwellnesscenter.org
   • (805) 884-8440
   • 617 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2. Santa Barbara Yoga Center
   • Diverse class offerings including trauma-informed yoga and community events
   • https://santabarbarayogacenter.com
   • (805) 965-6045
   • 32 E Micheltorena St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
3. Yoga Soup
   • Inclusive yoga studio with mindfulness-based classes and donation-based options
   • https://www.yogasoup.com
   • (805) 965-8811
   • 28 Parker Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
4. SBCC Adult Ed (Free/Low-Cost Yoga Classes)
   • Offers community education including beginner and restorative yoga
   • https://sbcc.edu/extendedlearning/

National Yoga Resources and Free Tools

1. Yoga for Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
   • https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-Mental-Illness/Exercise
2. Yoga with Adriene (Free YouTube Classes for All Levels)
   • https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
3. The Veterans Yoga Project
   • Evidence-informed yoga practices for mental health, stress, and PTSD
   • https://www.veteransyogaproject.org

Breathe, Move, Heal—Every Day

Yoga reminds us to stay to the present moment and care for our whole selves. Whether it’s a five-minute breathing break or a full yoga class, a yoga-like practice can be a powerful part of one’s mental wellness journey.