title: Yoga Outperforms Running in Brain Health Studies, Suggests New Research
Yoga has the power to make our bodies as flexible as Gumby, help alleviate stress and pain, and lower blood pressure. Plus, poses like Sun Salutation and Downward Dog can get you in phenomenal shape. But what about your brain?
A recent research review suggests that yoga isn't just good for our bodies, but it also does wonders for our brains. Keep scrolling to discover how yoga contributes to a healthier brain.
Yoga Ages Your Brain Like Fine Wine
We all know that yoga can keep your body looking great as time goes by, but according to a small study, it can also help your brain age nicely.
The study involved 81 older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Half of them were told to practice Kundalini yoga, while the other half underwent memory enhancement training. Both groups saw improvements in their brain function, but those who practiced yoga saw more significant improvements in their memory and executive functions, such as planning, focusing, and multitasking.
A research review also showed that mind-body exercises change your brain for the better and improve its structure in adults. However, it's essential to take these findings with a grain of salt as more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of yoga on brain aging.
Yoga Keeps You Cool, Calm, and Collected
According to a small 2013 study, yoga not only helps give your brain more gray matter, but it also makes it thicker. Gray matter contains most of our brain cells and is crucial for functions such as the five senses, memories, and muscle control.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that thicker gray matter in certain areas of the brain could help improve emotional control, impulse control, and self-awareness. This could contribute to a healthier brain overall.
Yoga Keeps You Looking and Feeling Good
One of the lesser-known benefits of yoga is its ability to help regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps your brain regulate your mood.
High cortisol levels can lead to unwelcome health issues such as weight gain, poor sleep, low energy, high blood pressure, and anxiety or depression. Regular yoga practice can help reduce cortisol levels and reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Is This Legit?
Previous research has suggested that exercise and cognitive performance are linked, but most studies have focused on aerobic activity. One possible explanation for yoga's benefits on the brain is the "mind-body connection," using thoughts to positively influence physical responses.
More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of yoga on brain function, but the evidence suggests that there is indeed a connection.
How Much Yoga Is Enough Yoga?
A small study showed that practicing yoga for an hour each week could significantly reduce stress and improve brain health. However, it's unclear how long the effects of yoga practice last if you're not consistent with your practice.
Takeaway
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of yoga on brain function, the evidence suggests that regular practice can improve brain health and function. So go ahead and start your yoga journey! Try out different poses and find what works best for you.
Enrichment Data:
Regular yoga practice has been shown to have a significant impact on brain function and structure. Here are the key findings:
- Enhanced Neuroplasticity: Yoga practices like meditation and transcendental meditation can enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and rewire itself. This is evident in improved attention span, working memory, and decision-making abilities.
- Increased Prefrontal Cortex Activity: Meditation increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is linked to focus and self-regulation.
- Reduced Amygdala Activity: Regular meditation practice reduces activity in the amygdala, associated with lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Increased Gray Matter Density: Long-term meditation has been found to increase gray matter density in areas related to emotional regulation, learning, and memory.
- Cognitive Support for Older Adults: Yoga has been shown to enhance memory and attention in older adults by increasing gray matter density in the brain. It also improves executive function and attention, making it an excellent choice for older adults looking to bolster cognitive skills.
- Holistic Health Benefits: Yoga reduces inflammation, a common factor in the aging process. Regular practice also reduces stress and anxiety levels, fostering mental well-being.
- Promoting Balance and Flexibility: Yoga improves balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, which are vital for maintaining independence as one ages.
- Enhanced Mood and Emotional Regulation: Yoga enhances mood by increasing the production of endorphins and serotonin, the "feel-good" hormones, and fosters emotional stability by encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness.
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Yoga and Brain Function: What the Research Says
Previous studies have suggested a link between exercise and cognitive performance, focusing primarily on aerobic activity. However, research into yoga's impact on brain function is beginning to uncover promising results.
A recent meta-analysis of several studies revealed that practicing yoga can lead to improvements in executive function, such as planning, focusing, and multitasking. This enhancement was found to be particularly noticeable in older adults with mild cognitive impairment who participated in yoga programs.
These findings echo earlier research indicating that regular yoga practice can benefit the brain by increasing gray matter density in areas related to emotional regulation, learning, and memory. Overall, the evidence suggests that yoga may have the potential to support cognitive health and function.
