Can Studying Yoga Improve Your Mental Health? Let's Take A Look At The Science

Yoga classes really can be a life-changing experience. Not only are they an excellent form of exercise but they also combine many of the benefits of meditation. In fact, some evidence suggests that yoga classes will help you to stay fit in the mind and the body. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at the science in order to find out more about the real value of yoga classes.

Exercise And Mental Health

The first thing worth saying is that there’s no doubt among scientists and medical professionals that exercise is good for mental health. Not only does a healthy body mean a happy mind, but the regular process of physical exercise itself has an extremely positive impact on the mind. On top of that, meditation has also been shown to have an excellent impact on people’s mental health and mindfulness.

By combining both exercise and meditation yoga classes will grant the benefits of both disciplines whilst also providing a regular gathering space.

The Social Aspect Of Yoga

Yoga classes can also provide an extremely enjoyable social space for many people. For some, this can mean making friends in the class, while for others it’s just pleasant to be around other people whilst also going on a journey of self-improvement.

What The Science Says

Alright, so we know what science tells us about the benefits of exercise and meditation, but what does it specifically tell us about yoga?

Well, while it’s not entirely clear what it is about yoga that helps people’s mental health, the evidence is pretty clear that regular yoga can help to improve symptoms of many common mental health ailments such as anxiety and depression. Studies have even shown that yoga can increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters which, in turn, have a calming effect.

Mind And Body

If there’s one principle that’s at the core of yoga it’s the connection between mind and body. Your physical health and your mental health are intrinsically connected and anything that helps one will help the other. In this regard, just as the regular workout and stretching provides physical exercise that can improve your mental health, the reduced anxiety can actually have even more positive physical effects. Lowered anxiety levels can reduce inflammation and help with physical aches and pains.

To learn more about the value of yoga classes, how yoga can help your mental health, yoga for pregnancy and more, contact us at 0208 874 4500 or head on over to our website where you can join the mailing list for regular updates from the world of yoga.