There is no doubt that yoga has many benefits for mental health. The practice has been linked with decreased anxiety and depression symptoms, improved focus and concentration, and increased well-being and overall satisfaction with life.
Of course, research results can only do so much, but perhaps you are still intrigued about its wonderful efficiency towards the human mind. In such a case, look no further than their given benefits below.
It Enables You to Have a Sharper Brain
When you lift weights, your muscles are working harder than they normally would and thus become stronger and bigger. When you do yoga, your brain works harder to maintain balance and coordination. As a result, new connections are made between brain cells, and brain structure and function changes occur. These changes result in improved cognitive skills as well. It also helps keep the brain fit and strong, like any other form of exercise, improves memory, attention, and awareness, and can even help with thought and language.
Yoga has been shown to increase the cortex’s and hippocampus’s thickness, which are responsible for processing information and memory. It has also been shown to prevent age-related decline in brain function. Older people who practice yoga regularly have less shrinkage in the areas of the brain associated with memory and other cognitive skills than those who do not practice yoga.
Studies suggest that yoga and meditation may be beneficial in improving cognitive function. This refers to a person’s ability to think clearly and quickly, remember things, and respond to new information or stimuli promptly and accurately.
It Enables You to Experience an Improved Mood
Yoga can help improve your mood by reducing levels of stress hormones, increasing the production of endorphins (feel-good chemicals), and bringing more oxygenated blood to your brain. Of course, that is not the only advantage that yoga provides.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate communication between nerve cells in the brain. It is known to play a role in regulating mood and reducing anxiety. Some research suggests that yoga triggers the GABA supplements that may help elevate levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain, which could, in turn, improve mood and decrease anxiety.
Meditation has been shown to reduce activity in the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions. This means that people who meditate regularly may have a more positive outlook and be less reactive to stressful incidences.
Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,080 participants found that yoga helped reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress more than drugs and talk therapy.
The authors of the study also concluded that yoga and music are effective relaxation techniques for reducing depression and anxiety in older adults, as it appears to provide the longest-lasting effect.
Yoga may even help people with PTSD by reducing intrusive memories and emotional arousal and by helping to produce calmer, steadier breathing.
The Mental Edge
Overall, yoga has a plethora of benefits to mental health. It can help to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep. Additionally, yoga can help to increase self-esteem and body awareness and can be a helpful tool in managing difficult emotions. If you are struggling with mental health issues, consider giving yoga a try – it just might help you feel better in your mind and soul.
If you are looking for a trusted institution that provides great yoga classes in London, look no further than our wide range of yoga lessons here at The Power Yoga Co. We are the leading Yoga studio in London, offering over 90 classes a week. Call us today and let us help you recharge, energise, and transform!