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