The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga Practice
This article was written by Yoga to Cope’s guest contributing editor Jordan Smith. Her background includes writing and editing health and fitness content for major publications such as Health and Runner’s World. She is working toward a personal training certification and hopes to inspire others to find the health journey that works best for them.
Earlier, we dove deeper into the benefits of yoga backed by science. Let’s get some more background into how —and why— yoga can help to benefit your mental health.
“The physical practice of yoga literally alters brain function in a way that allows to feel more happy and connected,” Daniel Novoa, E-RYT 500 tells Yoga to Cope. Here’s why.
The physical exertion associated with the asanas (yoga poses) increases the level of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
“This induces a state of peace and calm yogis often refer to as being ‘yogi stoned,’ says Novoa.
Regular yoga practice increases overall levels of another neurotransmitter called GABA, which allows other neurotransmitters to function more powerfully, and allows the entire nervous system to communicate more effectively, explains Novoa.
Many of the breathing exercises (pranayama) associated with the yoga practice have been proven to increase density of both the prefrontal cortex (center of emotional intelligence and emotional processing), as well as improves communication between the two hemispheres of the brain through amplifying activity of the corpus callosum, Novoa says.
If that’s a little too in-the-weeds with science for you, you’re not alone! Yoga is known for it’s ability to help reduce your stress by communicating to your body it’s time to rest (through mindful breathing) and helping to regulate hormones (like stress hormones) to leave you feeling rejuvenated and less “drained.”
Basically, taking time to breathe and incorporating a yoga practice can be a major mood-booster. It gives your body and brain a chance to slow down and connect. And, it helps to give you some time to unplug and recharge.
To quote one Elle Woods — “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”