The research tells us that nearly half the population in Australia (45%) has experienced a diagnosable mental illness at some point in their life (ABS, 2007).  However, it is likely that this figure is actually much higher as it doesn’t take into account those that haven’t been diagnosed or haven't asked for help.

It is safe to say that mental distress is a very common experience.

Studies have shown that significant numbers of people (58.4%) are coming to yoga for support with mental health challenges (Penman, 2005). At Yoga Nest we believe it is vital that yoga teachers are equipped to create a safer and supportive environment for everyone- knowing how to support students in a research-led and trauma-informed way.

We can all have moments where we feel our mental health isn’t at its best and could use a helping hand. Or perhaps we may want to begin a regular practise to assist for those times in the future when our mental wellbeing might be challenged.

Research has shown that yoga can be helpful in improving mental health in clinical populations, particularly as an adjunct to treatment.

At Yoga Nest, we offer mindful movement, meditation, and breathing practises in ways that are research-informed and trauma-aware to support people to move and be present in their bodies. We hope to create a safer, more accessible and supportive environment for all people, including those experiencing mental health challenges.

This is not about magically 'curing' your mental health with a yoga class, but about being able to practise yoga in a choice-focused and body-centred way, while limiting possible triggers in the environment and practise.

*It’s important to be clear that at Yoga Nest, we are mental health aware and trauma-informed yoga teachers, but we are not therapists. We are trained to teach Yoga, not to provide counselling or medical advice.