Yoga and exercise for psychosis

Exercise and yoga cannot treat psychosis. Used alongside medicines and therapy, they can improve mood, sleep, fitness and quality of life.

Why movement helps

• Regular physical activity helps with mood, anxiety, sleep and thinking
• It limits the weight gain and metabolic changes that some medicines cause
• Exercise gives routine and a sense of achievement

Suitable activities, once symptoms are stable

• Walking, 30 minutes most days, ideally in daylight
• Swimming, cycling and gentle jogging
• Group sports or classes for social contact
• Gentle yoga postures and stretching
• Slow breathing practices such as Anulom vilom, if comfortable
• Simple relaxation and mindfulness

Important cautions

• Do not start intense breathing practices, long meditation or fasting during the acute phase, as they can increase confusion or fear in some people
• Avoid very hot environments and dehydration, since some medicines raise the risk of heat illness
• Start slowly and increase gradually
• Practise with a calm, trained instructor who knows about the person's condition
• Stop and tell the doctor if exercise brings on distress, disturbing thoughts or dizziness

What the evidence says

Studies show that exercise and yoga can improve symptoms like low motivation, mood and quality of life in people with schizophrenia. They do not replace medicines.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Yoga and pranayama are used traditionally to calm the mind. They are a supportive framework only.

When to get help

See your psychiatrist if symptoms return or worsen. Call 112 in an emergency.

Remember

Gentle, regular activity helps recovery but is never a replacement for treatment.