Yoga and exercise for schizophrenia

Regular physical activity, yoga and breathing practices can help people with schizophrenia feel better, sleep better and manage stress. They do not replace medicine. Research suggests that yoga and exercise can improve negative symptoms, mood, quality of life and physical health, but studies are small, so treat it as a supportive habit.

Helpful activities

• Daily walking, cycling or swimming for about 30 minutes, built up slowly. Exercise helps weight, sugar and heart health, which medicines can affect.
• Gentle yoga such as mountain pose, tree pose, cat-cow, child's pose and seated stretches, in a calm, quiet place.
• Slow, relaxed breathing and simple pranayama such as alternate nostril breathing, done gently and without breath holding.
• Relaxation or guided body-scan practice, if the person finds it calming.
• Group activities such as a walking group or yoga class, which also help with social connection.

Make it easy and safe

• Start with 5 to 10 minutes and build up. Choose a regular time of day.
• Do it with a family member or a trained instructor, who understands the person's needs.
• Keep instructions short and simple, and avoid pressure or competition.
• Drink water, wear comfortable clothes and avoid exercising in extreme heat, because some medicines affect temperature control.

Things to avoid

• Intense breathing or breath-holding techniques, long meditation and hyperventilation can sometimes worsen anxiety or unusual experiences. Stop if the person feels frightened, confused or unwell.
• Avoid exercise during an acute episode, until the person is stable and the doctor agrees.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Traditionally, yoga is used to calm the mind and balance the doshas. It is a supportive practice.

Safety Tell the doctor if dizziness, fainting, palpitations or muscle stiffness appear. Call 112 in an emergency.

Remember Short, regular, gentle activity works better than intense effort.