Yoga and Mental Health: Panacea is now offering Hatha Yoga

Jan 13
2 min read

Updated: Jan 14

The Mental Health Benefits of Hatha Yoga

Community Classes Sponsored by Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

At Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, we recognize that mental health is supported not only through therapy and medication management, but also through evidence-based mind–body practices that foster regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. One such practice is Hatha yoga, a foundational form of yoga with well-established mental health benefits.

Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center is proud to sponsor Hatha yoga classes hosted at Virginia Beach Yoga & Wellness. See details below.

Why Hatha Yoga Supports Mental Health

Hatha yoga emphasizes slow, intentional movement, controlled breathing, and present-moment awareness. This approach makes it particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or chronic stress.

Mental health benefits include:

Nervous System Regulation. The combination of steady postures and mindful breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing hyperarousal and stress responses.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety. Research consistently shows that yoga can lower cortisol levels and perceived stress, supporting both emotional and physiological balance.
Improved Mood and Emotional Regulation. Mindful movement enhances awareness of internal states, strengthening emotional regulation and supporting mood stability.
Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity. Hatha yoga encourages sustained attention and present-moment focus, which may improve concentration and cognitive clarity.
Accessible Mind–Body Connection. With built-in modifications, Hatha yoga is adaptable for all bodies and experience levels, making it an approachable entry point for those new to yoga or returning after time away.

Class Experience

These Hatha yoga classes welcome students of all ages and abilities and are designed to be both supportive and engaging.

Each 60-minute class includes:

Gentle, mindful postures to build strength and flexibility
Modifications and variations offered throughout
Emphasis on breath-body awareness and grounding
A 15-minute guided meditation to calm the nervous system, support mental clarity, and cultivate inner ease

Instructor Spotlight

Amy Klemarczyk, RYT-200, PRS (Virginia)

Classes are led by Amy Klemarczyk, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance, and Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) currently completing her required practical hours toward full certification in Virginia.

Amy is known for creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment that allows individuals to reconnect with themselves through mindful movement. Having personally experienced the mental health benefits of consistent yoga practice, she is deeply committed to helping others cultivate balance, resilience, and well-being.

She brings experience across multiple yoga styles—including Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot 26+2, Yoga Nidra, and Children’s yoga—and thoughtfully adapts each class to meet diverse needs and abilities.