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Yoga is not simply a form of physical exercise. It also focuses upon the mind too. While other systems of exercises may intend to work out the different muscle groups in the body, yoga tends to strive for a union of the body with the spiritual soul. Hence, for all those who are seeking some spirituality, yoga is the best way to exercise.
As a form of exercise, yoga further comprises of yamas and niyamas. Yama means restraint and niyama means observing something. As the name, then, suggests practicing yama and niyama also means practicing a control over the desire for gratification. It might not be control all the time but is also the channelizing of energy in the right direct direction.
Such a channelizing of mental energies paves the way for sound ethical and moral foundation. Even otherwise, yoga demands that we practice good deeds every day in our lives. It asks us to be a helping hand without expecting any favor in return. This would automatically lead to a more calm and purer state of mind.
Most of us never reflect upon what we did in the last 24 hours. Due to this lack of introspection, we are not able to fully realize the validity of our actions and hence keep on committing the same mistakes again and again. Yoga tries to put a stop on it. By making us meditate and reflect, it allows us to deeply reflect upon our actions and modify them for our betterment.
The relationship between yoga and mental health goes even beyond that. Yoga teaches us the art of retaining our breath inside us. The Pranayama pose in which one inhales deeply and then retains this breath for as long as possible teaches us how to keep a check on the energy of our mind. If our mind would be under control, we would breathe in a more regulated manner. This is exactly what Pranayama strives for.
Yoga as a way of exercise also teaches us to practice the art of chanting. Chants not only musically regulate the way we carry out our asanas but also help us to remember God. Chanting, thus, allows us to be in close proximity with God and this proximity brings upon our mind a sense of deep calm and purity. With the practice of chanting we feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Finally, yoga asks us to be satisfied with what we have. This sense of contentment puts in check all forms of desires, which are the root cause of mental agony and frustration. By insisting that we be content with what we have, yoga minimizes the frustration which creeps up when our desires are denied to us.
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