Yoga is most closely associated with stretching and flexibility, but while it’s great for those physical qualities, it can have numerous mental-health benefits as well—that go well beyond meditation and relaxation to curb anxiety and depression.
Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing takes a look at how yoga can actually strengthen your brain, resulting in improved memory, learning skills, and overall function.
Strengthening Your Brain
It should come as no surprise that performing an exercise that is good for the mind will actually help strengthen your brain. Doing yoga helps brain cells develop new connection, which results in a sharper memory, increased learning skills, and better overall brain function.
Studies show that those who regularly take part in yoga exercises have a thicker cerebral cortex and hippocampus than those who don’t. These areas are responsible for the processing of information and learning/memory, respectively. Studies have also shown that yoga can improve reasoning, decision making, reaction time, and accuracy on cognitive tests.
As memory and other brain functions can naturally deteriorate with age, taking part in yoga regularly could help counteract these effects.
Mood Improvements
Any sort of exercise is a mood-enhancer, as endorphins (hormones that make you feel good) are released and more oxygen goes into your brain. Conversely, stress-hormone levels throughout the body are lowered. But research has found that yoga can have even more mood-related benefits. Another brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is associated with decreased anxiety and improved mood, has been seen at elevated levels in people who partake in yoga regularly.
In addition, a study of stress-relieving activities like massage, progressive muscle relaxation, and listening to music, yoga was found to have the longest-lasting effect on mood.
To learn more about Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://oak-hill-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
